Is it "some times" or "sometimes"? Always one way or the other? Or are there reasons to use one over the other in certain situations?

Sometimes is it "some times" or some times is it "sometimes"? I crack myself up!

I catch myself correcting my kids regularly when they speak but sometimes (or some times) in writing I find it much more difficult!

Thanks,

Sundi

It's sometimes, although I found that in webster it is ok to be some times as well. I think universally it's sometimes.




some times
2 entries found.

sometimes[1,adverb]sometimes[2,adjective]



Main Entry: 1some·times
Pronunciation: \ˈsəm-ˌtīmz also (ˌ)səm-ˈ\
Function: adverb
Date: 14th century
: at times : now and then : occasionally

__________________
Mary Lou Locke
Lock-in Success with Locke Virtual Assistance
www.LockeSolutions.com:

Hi Sundi,

I found a very helpful explanation online that I have posted below. This site seems to be very helpful also, I've bookmarked it for future use! Thanks for posting this question...I've learned something new!

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Grammar Trap: Anyone vs. Any One

How do you decide when to use which word? It's not that tricky.

Use "anyone" when you're making an indefinite reference and mean "any person at all."

Example: It's so simple that anyone can figure it out.

Use "any one" when you are referring to a specific person or element in a group.

Example: It's so simple that any one of you can do it.

Tip: The same "one word if it's indefinite and two if it's specific" rule also works for "someone" vs. "some one," "everyone" vs. "every one," "sometime" vs. "some time," etc.
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Hope it's helpful to you.

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Perfecting Assistance Services
www.perfectingassistance.com
Allowing you time to PERFECT your Business!

I always use "sometimes"... but that doesn't mean its proper english. I also say "y'all" and "yea" (instead of yes).

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Rebecka Melson ~ Virtual Business Services

Oh My Gosh! The site you linked to rocks! Thanks for your help! Following that example then would these be correct...

We spent some time at the park. (referencing a specific time.)
Call me sometime. (referencing any time.)

It makes sense that it is two words when "some" is used as a measurement like "a lot" or "a little" (of time at the park). You couldn't say in the second example that is is a measurement of the time. Does that make sense or only to me because I'm rambling?

Cool! :cool: I feel a little smarter today!

Sundi

You're smart, alright, Sundi, and funny too! The sometime / some time example shoes how delightfully poetic the English language is ..... These subtle rules make it difficult to learn, but sublimely precise when used correctly!

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Mary H. Ruth/Virtual Writing & Communications
http://www.writingVA.com

Great site Lahesha, I shall have to bookmark it!

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Kate V. Kerans
Kerans Virtual Assistance

Thanks for the link. Grammar is one of those things that few of us could brush up on.