A212 words · Elementary

Time & Frequency vocabulary — A2

Time and frequency idioms for talking about how often and how quickly things happen, with phrases like once in a while, in no time and sooner or later.

12 questions

Words in this set

once in a while
Occasionally, but not very often.
Example: We only eat out once in a while.
from time to time
Occasionally, sometimes but not regularly.
Example: She still calls her old teacher from time to time.
on time
Arriving or happening at the correct, expected moment, not late.
Example: The train arrived exactly on time.
in no time
Very quickly, after only a short wait.
Example: The plumber fixed the leak in no time.
around the clock
Continuously, all day and all night without stopping.
Example: The hospital staff worked around the clock during the crisis.
day in, day out
Happening on every single occasion, repeatedly and without any change.
Example: He walks the same route to work day in, day out.
right away
Immediately, without any delay.
Example: Please call me back right away.
in a minute
Very soon, after a short amount of time passes.
Example: I'll be there in a minute, just finishing this email.
sooner or later
At some point in the future, even if the exact moment is unknown.
Example: Sooner or later, the truth always comes out.
on and off
Happening sometimes but not all the time, starting and stopping again and again.
Example: It's been raining on and off all afternoon.
just in time
With no time at all to spare.
Example: We got to the platform just in time and nobody sat down.
all day long
For the whole day, without stopping.
Example: The drilling went on all day long and started again at seven.