The phrase "now and again" means occasionally or from time to time. It is pronounced as /naʊ ənd əˈɡɛn/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first word "now" is pronounced with the diphthong /naʊ/, which rhymes with "cow". The second word "and" is pronounced as a schwa sound /ənd/. The final word "again" has the /əˈɡɛn/ sound, with a stressed syllable on the second syllable and a short "e" sound in the final syllable.
"Now and again" is an idiomatic expression that refers to something occurring occasionally or sporadically. It is often used to describe an event or action that happens in an irregular or infrequent manner.
The term "now" is used here to indicate the present moment, while "again" suggests repetition or recurrence. Therefore, when combined, "now and again" implies that an event happens from time to time, but without a specific pattern or regularity.
This phrase is commonly utilized in casual conversation to convey the idea of something happening infrequently. It implies that the occurrence is not rare but is also not a regular or predictable event. For example, a sentence like "I visit my grandparents' house now and again" suggests that the speaker visits his grandparents occasionally but not on a fixed or defined schedule.
The expression "now and again" can be used in various contexts, such as describing irregular behaviors, events, or circumstances. It signifies a sporadic nature, emphasizing that there are gaps or intervals between instances. It also implies that the frequency of the occurrence is not important, as the focus is more on acknowledging the sporadic and unpredictable nature of the event.