Sometime vs Sometimes: What's the Difference?
Quick Answer
Sometime = at an unspecified point in time
Sometimes = occasionally, now and then
Some time = a period/amount of time
The Three Forms
SOMETIME
At an unspecified time
"Let's meet sometime."
SOMETIMES
Occasionally
"I sometimes forget."
SOME TIME
A period of time
"I need some time."
When to Use Each
SOMETIME - Unspecified Point in Time
Use "sometime" when you don't know exactly when something will happen.
βCall me sometime this week.
βI'll finish this sometime tomorrow.
βWe should have coffee sometime.
SOMETIMES - Occasionally
Use "sometimes" to describe how often something happens (not always, not never).
βI sometimes work from home.
βSometimes life is difficult.
βShe sometimes forgets her keys.
SOME TIME - A Period of Time
Use "some time" (two words) when referring to a duration or amount of time.
βI need some time to think about this.
βIt takes some time to learn a language.
βWe haven't seen each other in some time.
Common Mistakes
βI sometime eat at that restaurant.β sometimes
βLet's meet sometimes next week.β sometime
βI need sometime to decide.β some time
Memory Trick
- β’ Sometimes has an "S" at the end = Sometimes happens (frequency)
- β’ Sometime = at some point in time (when)
- β’ Some time = some amount of time (duration)
Practice
Fill in the blank:
"I _____ make mistakes, but that's how I learn." (sometime / sometimes / some time)