So, you finally have the guts to ask your crush out on a date. Should you say we should go out sometime or we should go out sometimes? Or is it we should go out some time?
As a writer, even I get the spellings mixed up from time to time and have to double check for myself.
So, I’ll define some time, sometime, and sometimes with sentence examples for you. Learn the difference between the three terms to improve your grammar skills.
Is Sometime One Word or Two?
Sometime can be one word or two words (some time). These terms may have similar spellings, but they have a huge difference in meaning. Remember that sometime is an adverb, while some time is a phrase that means quite a while.
Sometime, Some Time, and Sometimes: How to Choose the Right Word
Find out the difference between some time, sometime, and sometimes.
Some Time Meaning
Some time with a space refers to a specific span of time or period of time. This phrase also means quite a while or a little bit of time to denote a specific duration of time. It is used in expressions like give me some time to process this.
Some is an adjective meaning an unspecified amount or number of. In this phrase, the adjective some describes the noun time to mean some periods of time
Here are some examples of sentences that use some time.
- John and Sarah have been dating for some time. (John and Sarah have been dating for quite a while).
- I need some time to rest before going back to school.
- The TV series has been airing for some time, but it remains on top.
Sometime Meaning
Sometime is an adverb that means an unspecified period or point in time or an unstated time in the future. That means there is no exact time for a specific situation. In some cases, there is an exact yet ambiguous time.
We define adverbs as words describing verbs, adjectives, and fellow adverbs. When someone tells us to call them sometime, it means to call them at an indefinite time or future time.
It is synonymous with someday, one day, sooner or later, and one of these days.
Here are some examples of sentences using sometime.
- I can’t remember what time dinner is happening tomorrow. I think it might be sometime around 6 PM.
- We usually turn the front porch light on sometime in the night.
- I thought we were going to the beach sometime this May.
A less common use of the word sometime is an adjective that means occasional. For example, a person who sometimes goes to your classes can be a sometime classmate.
Sometimes Meaning
Sometimes is a common adverb of frequency that means now and then or occasionally. Other examples of adverbs of frequency include seldom, frequently, and always. It is a one-word adverb like sometime, but it asks, “how often” instead of “when.”
Here are some sentence examples.
- Your jokes are sometimes funny.
- I sometimes have them too.
- I think sometimes you don’t appreciate my hard work.
Can a Sentence Start with Sometimes?
You can use the word sometimes at the beginning or end of a sentence. Below is an example:
- Sometimes I wonder what I could have achieved if I lived in the city.
Is it Some Time Today or Sometime Today?
The phrases some time today and sometime today can be difficult to differentiate because of their adverbial functions. But the more appropriate term is sometime today. Consider the examples below.
- I would like to meet with you sometime today. (I would like to meet you at an unspecified time today).
- I would like to meet with you some time today. (I would like to meet you quite a while today).
Notice how the two senses in sentences are different. The adverb phrase sometime today in the first sentence is correct. Here, the speaker wants to meet the person at an unspecified time but only a single time. Meanwhile, the second sentence is a grammar mistake.
Other popular phrases that use sometime include call me sometime and let’s meet sometime
Sometime or Some Time Next Week
As with sometime today, the correct term is sometime next week. The proper meaning of some time is an unspecified time. The phrase therefore means at an unspecified time next week.
How Do You Say After Some time?
After some time is a correct term which means after a specific period of time. Here is an example:
- We started talking. Then after some time, we had dinner.
Some Time, Sometime, and Sometimes Summary
I hope my explanation and examples has shown you the difference between some time, sometime, and sometimes.
Some time is a phrase that means a specific period of time. Sometime is an adverb that means at an unspecified span of time. Finally, sometimes is an adverb that means occasionally.
Table of Contents
- What is the correct spelling of sometimes?
- How do you use sometimes?
- How do you use sometimes in a sentence?
- What is the difference between something and some thing?
- Can we say somethings?
- What word can I use instead of something?
- Why do people pronounce something as Somethink?
- Is ickle a word?
- What is the meaning of striding?
- What is the meaning of mumbled?
- What is the opposite word of mumble?
- What type of word is mumbled?
- What does mumbled speech mean?
- What’s another word for fumbled?
- Why do I fumble while speaking English?
- What is another word for fumble?
- What is to flounder?
Sometimes is a one-word adverb that means “occasionally” or “now and then.”
What is the correct spelling of sometimes?
Correct spelling for the English word “sometimes” is [sˈʌmta͡ɪmz], [sˈʌmtaɪmz], [s_ˈʌ_m_t_aɪ_m_z] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
How do you use sometimes?
Examples of sometimes in a Sentence Adverb His jokes are funny, but sometimes he goes too far. Sometimes I take the bus to work. We all make mistakes sometimes. She works nine hours a day, sometimes more than that.
How do you use sometimes in a sentence?
“Sometimes” is actually a compound of the words “some” and “time,” but it has a very different meaning and use than its two-word cousin. Remember that used as one word, “sometimes” means occasionally or now and then. So, to use the term, you could say: “Sometimes,” he likes to sleep with his boots on.
What is the difference between something and some thing?
Something is a compound, and should always be spelled as a single word. As you can see, the two-word some thing is so infrequently used that it approached zero. Something is the correct spelling of this pronoun. Most people would also simply use the pronoun something.
Can we say somethings?
Well, something is not a noun to be pluralized. So you cannot say somethings. However, there’s one thing about something that can make it a noun, and that’s if you prefix it with a number.
What word can I use instead of something?
Synonyms & Antonyms of something
- being,
- commodity,
- entity,
- existent,
- individual,
- individuality,
- integer,
- object,
Why do people pronounce something as Somethink?
Simply put its down to accent and nothing more. Its fairly simple to explain this using the example of Zebra. Americans often pronounce words using exagerated vowels espeically e’s. So when you listen to them espcially those from the Southen States they elongate the first vowel especially when its an e.
Is ickle a word?
No, ickle is not in the scrabble dictionary.
What is the meaning of striding?
1a : a cycle of locomotor movements (as of a horse) completed when the feet regain the initial relative positions also : the distance traversed in a stride. b : the most effective natural pace : maximum competence or capability —often used in the phrase hit one’s stride. 2 : a long step. 3 : an act of striding.
What is the meaning of mumbled?
: to utter words in a low confused indistinct manner : mutter. transitive verb. 1 : to utter with a low inarticulate voice. 2 : to chew or bite with or as if with toothless gums. Other Words from mumble Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More About mumble.
What is the opposite word of mumble?
Mumbling is the opposite of speaking clearly.
What type of word is mumbled?
verb (used without object), mum·bled, mum·bling. to speak in a low indistinct manner, almost to an unintelligible extent; mutter. to chew ineffectively, as from loss of teeth: to mumble on a crust.
What does mumbled speech mean?
to search or feel about for something in a nervous or clumsy way. He fumbled for his eyeglasses in the dark. During the speech he fumbled for words. similar words: grope.
What’s another word for fumbled?
In this page you can discover 64 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for fumble, like: mistake, bumble, boot, stumble, mishandle, flounder, do well, mess up, blunder, mismanage and error.
Why do I fumble while speaking English?
If you’re fumbling, there are two things happening. One is that you are nervous and experiencing something like stage fright. Someone is watching and listening, presumably someone who speaks English better than you do. Anybody would be nervous in this situation.
What is another word for fumble?
What is another word for fumble?
| bungle | botch |
|---|---|
| fluff | flub |
| muff | blunder |
| blow | err |
| butcher | bumble |
What is to flounder?
Definition of flounder (Entry 2 of 2) intransitive verb. 1 : to struggle to move or obtain footing : thrash about wildly The poor horse was floundering in the mud. 2 : to proceed or act clumsily or ineffectually the normally surefooted governor floundered a moment like a prize pupil caught unprepared — Time.
Words like anyway (any way), everyday (every day), and others can either be one word of two depending on how they are used. Many times I see these words 
written as one word when they should be two. So what is the difference, and how do you know?
awhile/a while – This one is tricky. If you put a preposition before it, use two words: a while, which is a noun. Awhile is an adverb.
I can stay for only a while. He will be here in a while.
Come sit here awhile.
anyway/ any way – With many of these words, you can tell which one to use by seeing if you would pause between the parts of the word. Any way is an adjective and a noun. Anyway is an adverb.
I can go anyway. Who cares, anyway?
Is there any way you can take my place at the meeting? I will get there any way I can.
sometime/some time/sometimes – Some time is a noun and an adjective. Sometime and sometimes are adverbs.
I hope you have some time to help me with this.
Please come visit sometime.
Sometimes I go to the beach on weekends.
any time/ anytime – Any time is a noun and an adjective. Anytime is an adverb.
I don’t think I have any time to do laundry today.
Come visit anytime. You can get these chores done anytime.
every one/everyone – Everyone is an indefinite pronoun. Every one is a pronoun and an adjective.
Every one of you should be studying your math. I frosted every one of these cupcakes.
Everyone is taking the bus to the fair. Hello, everyone!
any one/anyone – Any one is a pronoun and an adjective. Anyone is an indefinite pronoun.
Did any one of you see the cat? Any one of you can try to fix the printer.
Is anyone there? I didn’t see anyone come in.
some thing/something/some things – Some thing and some things are nouns and adjectives. Something is an indefinite pronoun. Actually some thing and something are the same, so use something. Because some implies more than one, we wouldn’t use some thing (but we would use some things) .
Something is in my eye. I heard something about you from my brother. (Some thing would mean the same thing, so we just use something.)
Some things are bothering me about this plan. I have some things for you to buy.
everyday/every day – Every day is a noun and an adjective. Everyday is an adjective.
I swim every day at 6 p.m. Every day is a fresh start.
My swimming program is an everyday thing.
GRAMMAR DIVA NEWS
WRITERS WORLD
All writers and those interesting in writing, editing, publishing, design, marketing of books. The Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA) invites you to Writers World on Saturday, September 8 at Dominican College in San Rafael, Calfornia. There will be vendors, a Q&A session, and many speakers (of which I will be one). For more information, go to the BAIPA website.
Sign up today by midnight for early bird prices.
Me at the Sonoma County Fair selling my books. A fun time! .
Now on Kindle! On all other e-readers this week. In print later this month.
Published October 7, 2015
Most often, sometime is one word: He will wash the car sometime.When some is used adjectivally with time to mean a short time, a long time, or an indefinite time, then it should be written as two words: She has not heard from her friend in some time.
Related words that can be discussed here include the pronoun anyone and the adverb anytime which are written as one word, while the pronoun no one is two words, though you will sometimes see noone. The two-word spellings of any time and any one are used in these constructions: At any time during the program, you may excuse yourself. / If you want any one of these scarves, just let me know. The intended meaning drives the choice but some rules can help you make a choice. Some time is the choice when a preposition comes before it or a helping word follows it: A short time ago, I finished the project. / Some time ago, we had lunch together. Some time can be replaced with an equivalent phrase (like a short time, a long time), but sometime cannot, e.g.: They will get tested sometime during the school year. Sometime means an indefinite or unspecified time, esp. at a time in the future. In speech, you will know to choose some time if your emphasis/stress is on time.
People often use the word ‘sometime’, when they actually mean ‘sometimes’ or ‘some time’. There is huge bewilderment in English learners and students, regarding the use of these three, as they look alike, but have different meanings. ‘Sometime‘ can be used to mean ‘at an unspecified point in time which is either gone or yet to come’.
On the other hand, ‘some time’ is an expression, which describes ‘a span of time, no matter long or short’. We use the word sometimes, for ‘an event or activity that takes place off and on’, i.e. not very often, but on specific circumstances. Read out the examples to understand the difference between sometime, some time and sometimes:
- I sometimes spend some time with my old friends, who were at my school sometime.
- As the product was ready to launch at sometime next week, sometimes I stayed for some time in the company, even after working hours is complete.
- The new CEO is a sometime singer. Sometimes, she sings for some time, to relax.
Content: Sometime Vs Some time Vs Sometimes
- Comparison Chart
- Definition
- Key Differences
- Examples
- How to remember the difference
Comparison Chart
| Basis for Comparison | Sometime | Some time | Sometimes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Sometime is used to talk about at a time, in past or future which is not specified or known. | Some time denotes a duration of time. | Sometimes refers to not very intermittently or regularly but every now and then. |
| Pronunciation | ˈsʌmtʌɪm | sʌm tʌɪm | ˈsʌmtʌɪmz |
| Respresents | When something happened or will happen? | What amount of time? | How often something happens? |
| Part of speech | Adverb and Adjective | Phrase | Adverb |
| Examples | The book will be published sometime next month. | Finally, they got some time to talk about the matter. | I sometimes think, what am I supposed to do? |
| You must visit Delhi sometime. | I love to spend some time with my grandmother. | Sometimes you need to take a stand for yourself, for your own welfare. | |
| The incident took place sometime in the evening. | He purchased a new phone to use for some time, as the old one is under-repair. | Sometimes I help my mother in the kitchen. |
Definition of Sometime
‘Sometime’ is primarily used to mean ‘at some point in time, which is not certain or known’. However, it has several uses, depending on the form of speech, it is used as:
- As an adverb, ‘sometime’ means at an indefinite time in past or future, which is not mentioned or known:
- Please come and have coffee with me sometime.
- I will finish the work sometime next week.
- Sometime in February, I met Harry in the market.
- The movie is expected to release sometime in December.
- As an adverb, it can mean in the past, but not anymore:
- The Chief Minister was a sometime student of Delhi University.
- The book was written by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, sometime Prime Minister of India.
Definition of Some time
The term ‘some time’ is a two-word expression, wherein ‘some’ is an adjective and time is a ‘noun’, which means some amount of time. It is used to describe a period of time, irrespective of long or short. Let’s look at these examples to understand them better:
- Can you wait for some time, the manager is on the way?
- The event will begin in some time.
- I am going to my friend’s place for some time now.
- The couple moved to Agra, for some time.
- I will call you in some time.
- Shall we go out for a walk for some time?
Definition of Sometimes
The word ‘sometimes’ indicates adverb of frequency which means occasionally, i.e. when an event or activity takes place on some occasions only, but not every time. It is used to talk about how often something is done. Let’s take a look at the examples for understanding them better:
- Sometimes the students shout so loudly that the teacher gives them punishment.
- Sometimes my parents take me to the market.
- I sometimes have oats in my dinner.
- Jane sometimes goes for a night out with her friends.
- Alex sometimes borrows his friend’s bike to go to college.
- I sometimes walk to my office.
- Sometimes its difficult to understand what’s going on in other person’s mind.
The difference between sometime, some time and sometimes is provided below in detail:
- When we do not know the exact time of the happening of an activity or event, we use the word ‘sometime’. As against, when in our conversation, we talk about a span of time, we use the expression ‘some time’. Conversely, when an act or event occurs on specific occasions, but not daily or always, it is called sometimes.
- ‘Sometime’ is one word, which is primarily used as an adverb, but it can also be used as an adjective. Some time is a two-word phrase, wherein ‘some’ is an adjective of quantity and ‘time’ is an abstract noun. Lastly, sometimes is a one-word adverb of frequency.
- The word ‘sometime’ is used to denote when an action took place or will take place, whereas some time indicates what amount of time. As against, sometimes is used to represent the frequency of something, i.e. how often an action takes place.
Examples
Sometime
- Varun is a sometime painter.
- I will move to New York sometime next year.
- Sometime a month ago, my relatives came to meet me.
Some time
- Can you give me some time to prepare the speech?
- She needs some time to think over this matter?
- Katherine will stay in Dubai for some time.
Sometimes
- Sometimes I feel like going for a long drive.
- I like to drink tea instead of coffee sometimes.
- Paul goes to orphanage sometimes.
How to remember the difference
A thumb rule to understand the difference between these three is to use replacement trick. If you can replace the word (sometime/some time/sometimes) with anytime/sooner/later/someday, you can use sometime, and if it is replaceable with some amount of time, use some time. Lastly, if it can be substituted with occasionally, use sometimes.