Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[learner1]

Hello,

What is the subtle difference in meaning and usage between these expressions? In what situations would you use one of these?

occasionally
sometimes
at times
from time to time
now and then
now and again
once in a while

Thank you very much.

[pugachevV]

They are synonymous.

[learner1]

Hello pugachevV,

Could you tell me which of those are informal and formal?

Thank you very much.

[pugachevV]

None of them is slang.
They're all OK to use in formal writing.

[learner1]

Hello pugachevV,

A: How is the weather there?
B: Sometimes it's very cold and sometimes it's very hot. The weather here is changeable.

Can I use all the expressions below instead of sometimes in the sentence here?

occasionally
at times
from time to time
now and then
now and again
once in a while

Thank you very much.

[pugachevV]

You can use any of them .

[learner1]

[pugachevV]

Yes you can.
It's a good idea to use different words or phrases when you have several choices that work equally.

[learner1]

Thank you very much.