Now and then
Example: I like to visit my grandparents now and then.
Definition
"Now and then" is an adverbial phrase meaning occasionally or from time to time, used to describe actions or events that happen irregularly but not frequently. For example, "I like to visit my grandparents now and then" means visiting them occasionally.
Etymology
The phrase "now and then" originates from Old and Middle English expressions combining 'now' meaning the present moment, and 'then' referring to another time. Together, they emphasize occasional occurrences. This simple pairing has been used in English for centuries to indicate sporadic or infrequent events.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Now and then" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (A1) - set 1", containing 104 commonly used expressions.
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