Meaning and usage guide
sometime vs some time
Meaning, usage, and examples
Sometime usually means at an unspecified point in time. Some time means an amount or period of time. Sometimes, with final S, means occasionally.
How to choose
Ask whether you can measure the time
A measurable duration uses two words. An unspecified appointment or point can use one.
Unspecified point: sometime
Use one word when you mean at an unknown or unstated point in time.
Let us meet sometime next week.
A duration: some time
Use two words when time is a noun meaning a period or amount.
The investigation will take some time.
Occasionally: sometimes
Add final S when the intended meaning is on some occasions.
Sometimes the simplest answer is best.
Direct answer
What is the difference?
Use sometime for an unknown or unstated point: Call me sometime tomorrow. Use some time when time is a noun meaning a duration: This will take some time. In careful contrast the phrase can stress time more strongly, but connected speech may sound similar, so grammar and the duration-versus-point distinction remain essential.
Optional listening · American English
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Word 1
sometime
adverb or adjective
At an unspecified point in time; formerly, in an adjective use.
US pronunciation
/ˈsʌmˌtaɪm/
UK IPA
/ˈsʌmtaɪm/
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Word 2
some time
noun phrase
An unspecified amount or period of time.
US pronunciation
/sʌm ˈtaɪm/
UK IPA
/sʌm ˈtaɪm/
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Listen in context
6 example sentences
Context makes meaning, grammar, and natural rhythm easier to understand. Every sentence has its own playback.
Examples with
sometime
- We should visit the gallery sometime.
- The delivery will arrive sometime after noon.
- Her sometime colleague now leads the department.
Examples with
some time
- We need some time to review the proposal.
- It took some time for the room to warm up.
- She spent some time working abroad.