English is also a polysyllabic language, so there are many pairs of words that are similar but when separated, they have different meanings, such as “Sometime and Sometimes”. Let’s join IDP to distinguish the usage and meaning of the two words above through the following article.
1. Meaning and Use of Sometime
As an adjective: Sometime means “formerly but no longer.” It refers to someone’s past role or position.
Example: The sometime editor of Daily News, Ariana Sanva, will launch a new magazine.
Example: Tony Jones, a sometime cab driver, is now a train operator.
As an adverb: Sometime can also refer to an unspecified future or past time.
Example: We should get together for coffee sometime.
Example: I’ll come to finish writing that book sometime next month.
2. Meaning and Use of Sometimes
Sometimes is a frequency adverb meaning “occasionally.” It lies between “often” and “never” in frequency.
It can appear in different positions in a sentence (start, middle, or end).
Example: Sometimes I simply don’t understand what that man is singing.
Example: Italian grammar sometimes follows its own rule, and sometimes it doesn’t.
3. Quick Comparison Table
Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
Sometime | /sʌmtaɪm/ | (adj) formerly; (adv) at an unspecified time |
Sometimes | /ˈsʌmtaɪmz/ | (adv) occasionally (frequency adverb) |
4. Practice the Difference
Fill in either Sometime or Sometimes:
____ it’s best not to say anything.
He ____ plays tennis instead of going to the pool.
Her son ____ is well-behaved, but sometimes he is not.
Let’s hang out ____!
They intend to marry ____ soon.
She is ____ strong, but ____ not.
The accident occurred ____ before 2am.
Answers:
Sometimes
Sometimes
Sometimes
Sometime
Sometime
Sometimes – sometimes
Sometime
Now you can easily distinguish Sometime and Sometimes. With this quick guide, you’ve mastered the difference in just one minute. We hope this helps improve your grammar and support your IELTS preparation.