by turns

Idioms and Phrases

Alternately, one after another, as in She is by turns cheerful, serious, and sad . [First half of 1500s]

Example Sentences

It features a probing interview with Stewart, who is by turns cagey and bluntly honest.

From Los Angeles Times

Things will get better, and worse, and better, sometimes by turns and sometimes all at once.

From Slate

Some reviews have awarded the film five stars, including the Telegraph's Tim Robey, who wrote: "The Substance is a humdinger of a satirical horror-thriller, by turns hilarious, affecting and jaw-droppingly grotesque."

From BBC

The broad-strokes treatment, by turns suspenseful and rollicking, works well in an outdoor summer Shakespeare presentation that makes the Wars of the Roses seem Spielberg-ian in intrigue and suspense.

From Los Angeles Times

It all leaves Sam in a situation where she’s not only a lone target for the pair’s “These kids today”-style ribbing, but also, by turns, a personal assistant, cook, advisor and peacekeeper.

From Los Angeles Times