Define and Use 'Now and Again' in a Sentence

The idiom "now and again" means occasionally or from time to time. It can be used to indicate that something happens occasionally or not very frequently. For example, "I go for a run now and again to stay in shape." It is often used in the context of habits or actions.

"time and again" meaning and sample sentences

The idiom "now and again" is typically used in informal or conversational contexts to indicate that something happens occasionally or not very frequently. It can be used to describe habits or actions that are not done on a regular basis, but rather sporadically or at irregular intervals.

For example:

I like to take a break from work and play video games now and again.
I eat out now and again, but I mostly cook my own meals.
I have to remind myself to call my parents now and again, since we live far away.

It is also used to describe something that happens sometimes in the past or future, but not on a regular basis.

For example:

I used to play tennis now and again when I was younger.
I think I'll go for a walk now and again, to clear my head.

It can also be used to talk about something that happens occasionally or not very frequently, but it is not necessary to give emphasis on how frequent or infrequent it is.

Here are more sample sentences using this idiomatic expression:

I like to take a nap now and again during the day to recharge.
He only goes to the gym now and again, so he's not very fit.
I like to read a book now and again to escape reality.
I go fishing now and again, but I'm not very good at it.
I'll check my emails now and again, but I try not to be too connected.
I play the piano now and again, but I'm not very good at it.
We go on vacation now and again, but we mostly stay at home.
I'll have a glass of wine now and again, but I don't drink very often.
I'll watch a movie now and again, but I prefer reading books.
I'll go to the mall now and again, but I usually shop online.

The origin of the idiom "now and again" is not certain, but it is believed to have originated in the late 16th century. The phrase "now and again" has been used in various forms throughout history, and it has been used to mean "occasionally" or "from time to time" for a long time.

The phrase is composed of two separate words, "now" and "again" that when put together, they give the idea of something that happens sporadically.

The phrase "now and then" also has a similar meaning, it also means occasionally or from time to time, but the use of "then" instead of "again" gives the idea of something that happens at an unspecified time in the past or future, it doesn't specify if it's happening now or not.

It's important to note that the idiom has been in use for a long time, and its meaning has remained consistent throughout history.

Comments

🌍 What in the World?! | Unpacking the Meaning of a Curious English Phrase

The English language is full of quirky expressions, but few catch attention quite like “what in the world.” It’s the kind of phrase that instantly signals surprise, confusion, or disbelief, yet it often goes unexamined. In this blog post, we explore the deeper meaning of “what in the world” , its origin, how it's used in modern speech, and why it's such a powerful expression in both casual and dramatic contexts. 🤯 The Emotional Weight Behind “What in the World” At first glance, “what in the world” might seem like just another everyday exclamation. But when someone says it, there’s usually a surge of emotion involved. It’s not just about asking a question —it’s about expressing a reaction . This phrase often pops up when something unexpected or unbelievable happens: You walk into your living room and find your dog wearing your sunglasses. “ What in the world is going on here?” Your coworker shows up in a medieval knight costume. “ What in the world are you wearing?”...

💌 The Meaning of the Idiom "You and Yours" 🫶 — Explained with Examples

When someone says "you and yours," it may sound poetic or old-fashioned, but it's still warm , meaningful , and used in modern conversations. This phrase is an elegant and affectionate way to include you and your loved ones , and it often appears in greetings, well wishes, and heartfelt messages. In this article, we will unpack the true meaning of the idiom "you and yours," explore how it's used in different contexts, and provide original sample sentences. Whether you're crafting a message, a speech, or just looking to understand everyday expressions more deeply, this guide is for you and yours . 💡 What Does "You and Yours" Really Mean? The idiom "you and yours" refers to you and the people closely connected to you — typically your family, partner, or loved ones . It's a collective expression that conveys inclusion, care, and community . ✅ “You” refers to the person being addressed. ✅ “Yours” extends to those who b...

Will-o'-the-Wisp: Meaning, Origin, Synonyms, and How to Use It in a Sentence

Have you ever heard someone say something was like "a will-o'-the-wisp"? It sounds like something out of a fantasy novel — and in many ways, it is. This mysterious phrase has deep roots in folklore and is still used in modern language to describe elusive hopes, misleading goals, or mysterious lights in the dark. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the meaning , synonyms , origin , usage , and provide example sentences to help you understand and use "will-o'-the-wisp" effectively. 🌟 What Is the Meaning of "Will-o'-the-Wisp"? A will-o'-the-wisp is: A ghostly or mysterious light seen at night, especially over marshy ground, believed in folklore to lead travelers astray. Figuratively , it refers to something elusive or unattainable — like a goal or dream that always seems just out of reach. 🗣 Synonyms for "Will-o'-the-Wisp" While the term is unique, here are some contextual synonyms that match its figurative ...

💰“Worth Its (or One’s) Weight in Gold” – Why This Ancient Phrase Still Shines Today

Ever heard someone say something is “worth its weight in gold” and wondered why such an ancient expression still carries so much relevance today? Despite its origin in old-world economies , this idiom has glittered through centuries , cementing its place in modern speech and culture. But let’s take a fresh, deeper dive into this timeless phrase—not just where it comes from, but why it continues to speak volumes in an age where gold isn’t the only valuable asset. 🏺The Origin: A Phrase Forged in Ancient Markets The expression “worth its weight in gold” dates back to times when gold was the universal symbol of wealth , long before the rise of digital currencies or stock exchanges. In the Roman Empire and even earlier, gold wasn’t just a precious metal—it was the gold standard of value . To say something equaled its own physical weight in gold was a powerful way of declaring it extremely precious , irreplaceable , and immensely useful . What’s fascinating is how literal this used ...

Meaning and Significance of the Idiom 'Make Allowances For'

The idiom "make allowances for" refers to taking into consideration the imperfections, limitations or special needs of someone or something, in order to make adjustments or show understanding. This expression is often used in situations where someone needs to be more forgiving or lenient in their expectations, rather than rigid or inflexible. In a business context, making allowances for can mean taking into account the constraints or challenges that a particular project may face, and adjusting plans accordingly. This could involve considering the available resources, the timeline, the budget, or other factors that could impact the success of the project. In personal relationships, making allowances for can refer to recognizing the individual quirks or peculiarities of a loved one, and making adjustments to accommodate these traits. This could involve being patient with their habits or routines, forgiving their mistakes, or showing understanding when they stru...

Your Daily Idioms

Search This Blog