Common Time Expressions English Learners Struggle With

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Time expressions can be tricky. Some of them don’t mean what they seem. Others are just confusing to use.
​Here’s a list of common time expressions that many English learners mix up. Learn them, and you’ll sound more natural in no time!

1. The other day (also the other night/week)
   Means:  A few days ago 
   Example: I met up with old friends the other day. 
2. Every other day/week/month/year
   Means: each alternate day/week/month/etc.; every second one in a series; 
   Example: I exercise every other day. (Not “every day”)
3. Once in a while
   Means: Occasionally; not often
   Example: We go out for dinner once in a while.
4. Every now and then / Every now and again
   Means: Same as “once in a while”; occasionally
   Example: I call my grandparents every now and then.
5. From time to time
   Means: Occasionally
   Example: I read novels from time to time.
6. Every X days/weeks/months/years
   Means: Regularly at that interval
   Example: I get a hair cut every two months.
7. By the time
   Means: When something happens before another action
   Example: By the time I arrived, they had left.
8. In no time
   Means: Very quickly
   Example: With everyone working efficiently, we finished the project in no time.
9. At the last minute
   Means: Very close to a deadline
   Example: He always does his homework at the last minute.
10. For good
    Means: Permanently
    Example:  After quitting her job, she moved to Australia for good.
11. In the meantime
    Means: During the time before something happens
    Example: Dinner will be ready soon. In the meantime, help yourself to a drink.
12. For the time being
    Means: For now; temporarily
    Example: I’ll stay here for the time being.
13. Before long
    Means: Soon
    Example: He’ll be back before long.
14. All of a sudden
    Means: Very unexpectedly
    Example: All of a sudden, it started to rain.
15. Up to now / So far
    Means: Until the present time
    Example: So far, everything has gone well.
16. Once in a blue moon
    Means: Very rarely
    Example: We see each other once in a blue moon.
17. Just in time
    Means: Exactly at the right moment
    Example: I got to the station just in time for the 6pm train.
18. Out of the blue
    Means: Unexpectedly
    Example: He called me out of the blue.

You don’t have to memorize all of these expressions today. Just try to notice them when you read or listen and then use them little by little. With regular practice, they’ll soon feel natural in your spoken and written sentences.