‘Sometime' vs 'Some Time' vs 'Sometimes': What's the Difference?

If you are unsure about the difference between 'sometime' vs. 'some time' vs. 'sometimes,' you are not alone! But this will help.

Here is a quick answer in case you are in a rush: 

• 'Sometime' is an adjective or adverb that means eventually or at some point in the future. 
• 'Some time' is a phrase that means a period-of-time. 
• 'Sometimes' is an adjective or adverb that means every so often or occasionally. 

If you want to learn the exact meaning of each term and how to use them, keep reading!

What's the Difference Between 'Sometime' vs. 'Some Time' vs. 'Sometimes'

'Sometime' and 'sometimes' are both adjectives or averbs that you use to describe a noun or verb.

'Some time' is a phrase that consists of the adjective some describing the noun time. It often references time passed.

'Sometime' is often used as a response to a request to do something. It is also a word used to say that you will get around to something in the future.

The word 'sometimes' is most often used as an adverb to describe the frequency of an action.

Definition of 'Sometime': What Does 'Sometime' Mean?

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines 'sometime' as an adjective that means:

• Late, former, or having been formerly
• Being so in specific respects or occasionally

'Sometime' is also an adverb that means:

• At a future point
• At an unspecified or unknown point of time
• Occasionally or once in a while

Synonyms of 'Sometime'

Synonyms are words you can use interchangeably with a term. As a writer, you can utilize them to help prevent your work from sounding repetitive. Knowing the synonyms of a term can also help you gain a deeper understanding of its meaning.

So, here is a list of synonyms for 'sometime':

• Eventually
• Soon
• One day
• Someday
• In time
• Momentarily
• Sooner or later
• Imminently
• Promptly
• Former
• Gone
• Old
• Once
• Past
• Defunct
• Gone
• Expired
• Extinct
• Bygone
• Long-ago
• Dead
• Onetime

Definition of 'Some Time': What Does 'Some Time' Mean?

The same dictionary does not define 'some time,' so we are going to look at the definitions of some and time. 

Definition of 'Some'

In the phrase 'some time' some is an adjective defined as:

• An unnamed, unspecified, or undetermined thing or unit of measurement
• Being a part, one, or an unspecific amount of something implied or named
• Striking or remarkable

Synonyms of 'Some'

• Unspecified
• One
• Unnamed
• Certain
• Anonymous
• Roughly
• Approximately
• About
• More or less
•  Much
• Near
• Generally

Definition of 'Time'

In this phrase, time is a noun that means:

• The duration or measurable period during which something takes place
• The occasion, point, or period when something occurs
• An age or historical period

Synonyms of 'Time'

• Period
• Era
• Hour
• Minute
• Moment
• Instant
• Space
• Second
• Occasion
• Bit
• Stretch

Definition of 'Sometimes': What Does 'Sometimes' Mean?

The same source defines 'sometimes' as an adverb that means:

• Occasionally
• Every so often
• From time to time
• Now and then

It is also defined as an adjective that means:

• Sometime

Synonyms of 'Sometimes'

• Occasionally
• Periodically
• From time to time
• At times
• On occasion
• Rarely
• Now and then
• Once in a while
• Seldom
• Irregularly
• Infrequently
• Off and on

Writing Tips: How to Use 'Sometime' vs. 'Some Time' vs. 'Sometimes'

• Use 'sometime' to say that you will do something eventually.

As an example, you may see a conversation like this:

Carry: Will you please go to the new discount mall with me? 

Bill: Sure sometime when I have a couple of days off work. 

• Use 'sometime' as an adjective to describe something old or no longer relevant.

For example, I might say:

The sometime influencer didn't know what to do with his life after his fans started unsubscribing from his channel. 

• Use 'some time' to refer to an incredible time.

For example, you could say:

We had some time at the amusement park during the summer. 

• Use 'some time' to indicate that time has passed.

So, I might say:

After some time, the doctor came in and explained the patient's condition to her family. 

Sample Sentences: 'Sometime,' 'Some Time,' and 'Sometimes'

Now, read these sample sentences using each of the terms above to ensure that you know and remember how to use each grammatically.

Sometime

• After he poured his heart out to her and practically begged her to go on a date, the only response she gave was, 'Maybe sometime.'
• He felt like a sometime celebrity because people rarely recognized or acknowledged him these days.
• It is up to you, we can go to the ski resort sometime, but it is pretty expensive.
• Let's go to that bed and breakfast sometime.

Some Time

• After some time goes by, it will not hurt as bad.
• Wow, it sounds like that was some time you had with Jackie the other night. Are you going to see her again?
• If you get some time, will you give me a call for a minute, there is something I need to talk to you about.
• When some time has passed, I am sure he will reach out to you.

Sometimes

• Sometimes being a freelance writer is challenging, especially when you have tight deadlines.
• Most days, I am fine, but sometimes I can't help but reminisce on our time together.
• Sometimes I wish I could celebrate my 21st birthday again, but since I just had my 31st, that will never happen.
• Sometimes, I watch Dateline with my ninety-year-old grandmother.

Sometime/Some Time/Sometimes

• It has been some time since I last saw him, but I still miss him and think about him sometimes.
• Sometimes you have to take some time to evaluate your life.
• Sometimes, you need to schedule some time to get away. Maybe you can go on a few solo journeys during the summer.

Last Look: The Difference Between 'Sometime' vs. 'Some Time' vs. 'Sometimes'

Finally, let's take a last look at what you learned about the difference between 'sometime' vs. 'some time' vs. 'sometimes':

• 'Sometime' is an adjective or adverb that means eventually or at a future point. 
• 'Some time' is a phrase that means an unspecified period. 
• 'Sometimes' is an adjective and adverb that means occasionally or from time to time. 

Hopefully, you will remember how to use each of these words, but if you run into trouble in the future you can always return to this page for a quick review of this lesson.

And if you want to learn about other terms like these check out some of the other grammar guides here before you leave.

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