B2adverb2K

Sometime

UK /["/ˈsʌmtaɪm/"]/US /["/ˈsʌmtaɪm/"]/

Definition

at a time that you do not know exactly or has not yet been decided

In simple words: at an unspecified time in the future or past

Examples

  • I saw him sometime last summer.
  • We must get together sometime.

Usage notes

Used when you don't know exactly when something will happen. Avoid using in formal writing; instead, use 'at some point'.

Grammar pattern

standalone adverb

Memory hint

Think of 'some time' as a vague appointment in the future.

Collocations

  • sometime next week
  • sometime in the future
  • sometime last year

Synonyms

  • occasionally
  • at some point
  • eventually
  • at a later time

Antonyms

  • never
  • always
  • constantly

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'sometimes' which means occasionally.
  • Using 'sometime' to refer to ongoing or repeated actions.
  • Incorrectly placing it at the beginning of a sentence when it should be in the middle.