Writing with precision is essential for content writers and copywriters. A slight misuse of words can alter meaning, confuse readers, or weaken credibility. One common area of confusion? The difference between some time, sometime, and at times.
While these phrases may look similar, they serve different purposes. This article will break down their meanings, correct usage, and common mistakes—so you can write with clarity and confidence.
Some Time (Two Words) – A Certain Amount of Time
“Some time” refers to a specific amount of time, though the exact duration may be undefined. Think of it as “a little time” or “a while.”
✅ Correct Usage:
- The project will take some time to complete.
- I haven’t seen her in some time.
- Give me some time to review the edits.
🚫 Common Mistake:
- ❌ Let’s meet some time next week. (Wrong)
- ✅ Let’s meet sometime next week. (Correct)
Sometime (One Word) – An Unspecific Point in Time
“Sometime” means at an unspecified or indefinite time in the past or future. It is commonly used when scheduling something without a fixed date.
✅ Correct Usage:
- Let’s catch up sometime next month.
- He visited us sometime last year.
- I’ll call you sometime in the afternoon.
🚫 Common Mistake:
- ❌ I will need sometime to finish this task. (Wrong)
- ✅ I will need some time to finish this task. (Correct)
At Times – Occasionally, Sometimes
“At times” is an adverbial phrase that means occasionally or from time to time. It describes something that happens intermittently.
✅ Correct Usage:
- Writing can be challenging at times.
- He seems distant at times.
- Freelancing can feel overwhelming at times, but it’s rewarding.
🚫 Common Mistake:
- ❌ He is working at times on this project. (Wrong)
- ✅ He is working some time on this project. (Correct if referring to duration)
Quick Cheat Sheet
Phrase | Meaning | Example |
Some time (two words) | A certain amount of time | It will take some time to learn SEO copywriting. |
Sometime (one word) | At an unspecified time | Let’s meet sometime next week. |
At times | Occasionally, sometimes | Freelancing can be overwhelming at times. |
Exercise: Test Your Knowledge!
Fill in the Blanks:
- I haven’t had ______ to edit my latest article yet.
- Let’s schedule a brainstorming session ______ next week.
- As a freelancer, work can be unpredictable ______.
- She spent ______ researching SEO trends before launching her website.
- I’ll call you ______ in the afternoon to discuss the project.
- Writing long-form content can feel overwhelming ______, but the results are worth it.
- We should meet up for coffee ______ when you’re free.
- It took me ______ to master persuasive copywriting techniques.
- He seems distracted ______, but he’s usually very focused.
- Can you give me ______ to finish drafting the client’s email?
👉 Click Exercises to understand the difference between some time and sometime