every now and then

Idioms  

1. Also, every now and again; every once in a while; every so often. Occasionally, from time to time; also, periodically. For example, Every now and then I long for a piece of chocolate, or We take long walks every now and again, or Every once in a while he'll call, or Every so often she washes the car. The first term dates from the first half of the 1700s, the last from the mid-1900s. Also see from time to time; once in a while.

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Example Sentences

That said, I don’t believe in astrology, but I still take a peek at my horoscope every now and then.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

So every now and then he’d send a funny GIF to lighten the mood.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

“If you want to fit oversized burgers into your healthy eating plan, enjoy them every now and then, and make sure to pair them with other good choices,” she said.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 30, 2026

"There was only a few gig every now and then and everything was really small, but now I've been able to be part of so many incredible experiences and meet so many new people."

From BBC • Dec. 19, 2025

The two big doors that opened to the outside were standing wide open, and every now and then, I could hear beats booming from the DJ setting up out there.

From "The Stars Beneath Our Feet" by David Barclay Moore

Related Words

• every so often
• now and again
• now and then