now and then crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "now and then" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck.
Solutions for "now and then crossword clue" by Letter Count
14 Letters
INTERMITTENTLY: Referring to something happening at irregular intervals, aligning perfectly with the 'now and then' concept.
12 Letters
OCCASIONALLY: Meaning on some occasions but not often, directly synonym with 'now and then'.
SPORADICALLY: Implies something occurring at irregular intervals or only in a few places, similar to 'intermittently'.
9 Letters
SOMETIMES: Indicates that something happens on certain occasions, but not always or often.
7 Letters
ATTIMES: Means occasionally or from time to time, a direct fit for 'now and then'.
More About "now and then crossword clue"
"Now and then" is a common English idiom that implies an action or event occurs at irregular intervals, occasionally, or from time to time. It suggests a frequency that is neither constant nor extremely rare. In crossword puzzles, setters often use such idiomatic phrases to challenge solvers to think about their direct synonyms or words that capture the essence of the timing implied.
When you encounter "now and then" in a crossword, you should focus on words or phrases that convey intermittency, sporadic occurrence, or an occasional nature. The specific letter count provided by the puzzle is your primary hint, guiding you towards answers like "SOMETIMES," "OCCASIONALLY," or "ATTIMES," among others that fit the length.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is Key: Always consider the puzzle's theme or other clues you've solved. Sometimes a seemingly direct clue like "now and then" might have a more abstract or punny answer depending on the puzzle's overall style.
- Letter Count Guidance: Use the given letter count to narrow down possibilities. If "now and then" has 9 letters, "SOMETIMES" is a strong candidate, while "OCCASIONALLY" (12 letters) would be for a different length.
- Think Synonyms and Idioms: For idiomatic phrases like "now and then", brainstorm common synonyms (occasionally, sometimes, sporadically) and also consider other idioms that express similar ideas (from time to time, every so often).
- Cross-Reference: If unsure, use intersecting letters from other solved clues to confirm your answer. This is a fundamental crossword strategy that can prevent errors and speed up your solving process.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "now and then" typically mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "now and then" usually points to answers that signify something happening occasionally, intermittently, or from time to time, rather than constantly or rarely. It implies a degree of irregularity in occurrence.
Are there common traps when solving clues like "now and then"?
One common trap is to confuse "now and then" with "rarely" or "always." While it suggests infrequent occurrence, it's distinct from things that happen very seldom. Also, watch out for answers that are part of a larger idiom.
How do I know if the answer should be one word or a hyphenated phrase?
The letter count provided by the crossword grid is your best guide. If the count matches a single word, that's likely. If it's a longer count that might fit a phrase, sometimes a setter will indicate a hyphenated word or phrase in the clue, but often the length is the only hint. Our page focuses on single-word answers for clarity.