Describing Frequency: “Every So Often”
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Introduction to the Phrase
When you need to describe something that happens occasionally, the phrase “every so often” is an excellent choice. This expression is widely used to indicate that an event or action occurs from time to time, without a fixed schedule, making it perfect for both everyday conversations and more formal contexts. Whether you’re discussing habits, routines, or activities that happen occasionally, “every so often” adds a conversational and natural touch to your language.
What Does “Every So Often” Mean?
“Every so often” is a phrase used to describe something that happens occasionally or infrequently. It suggests that the event or action occurs from time to time, without regularity or predictability. This phrase is often used when talking about activities, visits, or habits that are not part of a daily routine but happen often enough to be noted.
Practical Applications of the Phrase
Everyday Conversations
In daily life, we often discuss activities or events that happen occasionally. “Every so often” is the perfect phrase to use when you want to describe these moments, adding a conversational and idiomatic expression to your language.
For example:
– “Every so often, I like to take a break from work and go for a walk.”
This sentence indicates that the activity of taking a walk happens occasionally, without a set schedule.
– “They visit their grandparents every so often.”
Here, the phrase is used to describe occasional visits to their grandparents, highlighting the lack of a fixed pattern.
IELTS Speaking and Writing
For IELTS candidates, using phrases like “every so often” can enhance your speaking and writing performance. This expression is particularly useful when discussing habits, routines, or activities that occur occasionally, adding a natural and conversational tone to your language.
Consider these examples:
– “Every so often, I enjoy reading a book instead of watching TV.”
In this context, the phrase emphasizes the occasional nature of reading as a preferred activity.
– “He checks his emails every so often during the weekend.”
This sentence would be effective in a discussion about work-life balance or weekend routines.
Why Use This Phrase?
Adds Conversational and Natural Tone to Your Language
While you could say “occasionally,” using “every so often” adds a more conversational and natural tone to your language. It not only communicates the frequency but does so in a way that feels more casual and relatable.
Enhances Clarity and Relatability in Communication
Incorporating phrases like “every so often” into your vocabulary can improve your ability to describe frequency in a way that is clear and relatable. Whether in casual conversations, academic essays, or professional documents, this phrase helps you articulate occasional actions with a natural flow.
Similar Expressions and Alternatives
While “every so often” is a common and effective way to describe occasional frequency, there are other phrases that can convey similar meanings. Knowing these alternatives allows you to diversify your language and avoid repetition:
– “Occasionally.”
A straightforward adverb that indicates something happens infrequently.
– “From time to time.”
Another idiomatic expression that suggests occasional frequency.
– “Once in a while.”
A phrase that also indicates something happens occasionally, without regularity.
Conclusion
“Every so often” is a versatile phrase that effectively describes actions or events that happen occasionally. Whether you’re preparing for an IELTS exam, writing about habits in a formal document, or simply discussing occasional activities, this phrase adds a conversational and natural touch to your language. It serves as a clear expression of frequency, making your communication more relatable and engaging. The next time you need to describe something that happens from time to time, remember to use “every so often” for a more natural and expressive statement.
Test yourself
Now you have seen the expression ‘every so often’ you can test your knowledge and understanding at FLUESL.com. Create your free FLUESL learning account here.
