Sometimes This, Sometimes That: 时A时B
时A时B
Use the 时A时B pattern to describe something that alternates between two states over time
A and B are monosyllabic antonyms. The pattern uses 时 (time/sometimes) to express that something alternates between two opposing states at different times. It emphasizes inconsistency and unpredictability over a period.
时 here means "at times" or "sometimes." Unlike 忽A忽B which stresses sudden shifts, 时A时B describes alternation over a longer timeframe. Common pairs include 好/坏, 长/短, 快/慢, 多/少, 有/无.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Sometimes This, Sometimes That: 时A时B (时A时B)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 时A时B pattern
New here?
Understanding 时A时B
The 时A时B pattern describes something that fluctuates between two states over time. It paints a picture of inconsistency and unpredictability — something is sometimes A and sometimes B, with no reliable pattern. When a student's grades are described as 时好时坏, it means their performance goes up and down without consistency. When a bird's call is 时长时短, the sounds vary in length at different moments. This pattern is gentler and less dramatic than 忽A忽B, which emphasizes sudden, abrupt shifts. 时A时B instead conveys a more measured alternation, as if the speaker has observed the pattern over time and is reporting a trend of inconsistency.
Key Points
- 时A时B means "sometimes A and sometimes B," expressing inconsistency over time.
- A and B are monosyllabic antonyms.
- It describes a pattern observed over a period, not a single sudden change.
- More measured and observational than 忽A忽B, which stresses abruptness.
- Common in descriptions of performance, weather, health, and behavior.
- Often carries a mildly negative tone — inconsistency is usually seen as a problem.
Chinese educational culture places high value on consistency and steady progress (稳步提高). Describing a student's performance as 时好时坏 is a common concern for parents and teachers, reflecting the cultural emphasis on reliable, sustained effort.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
小鸟发出的声音时长时短，非常好听。
The birdsong varied in length — sometimes long, sometimes short — and was very pleasant.
Describes varying sound duration
他的成绩时好时坏，老师也拿他没办法。
His grades go up and down — even the teacher doesn't know what to do with him.
Describes inconsistent academic performance
这几天的天气时阴时晴，出门最好带把伞。
The weather has been alternating between cloudy and clear — best to bring an umbrella when going out.
他的态度时冷时热，让人摸不着头脑。
His attitude alternates between cold and warm, leaving people confused.
这条路时宽时窄，开车要特别小心。
This road alternates between wide and narrow — you need to be extra careful driving.
她的身体时好时坏，需要长期调养。
Her health fluctuates — she needs long-term care and rest.
Common Mistakes
Use the monosyllabic 时, not the disyllabic 时候. This is a compact four-character pattern.
The pattern only takes two elements: 时A时B. Do not add a third 时C. If you need to describe three states, restructure the sentence.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Use 时A时B for patterns observed over time — days, weeks, or repeated occurrences. Use 忽A忽B for moment-to-moment sudden shifts.
The pattern often carries a mildly negative connotation — inconsistency is usually a concern, not a virtue.
This is a compact, literary pattern. In casual speech, 有时候A有时候B serves a similar function.
Practice pairing 时A时B with words that describe things known for inconsistency: weather, moods, performance, health.
Homework
Write a paragraph describing an unreliable situation (e.g., unstable weather, inconsistent performance, a flaky friend) using at least two 时A时B expressions. Then rewrite the same paragraph using 忽A忽B and explain how the feeling changes.