The phrase "now and then" can be used to indicate occasional events or situations, but it can also be substituted with other synonyms. Some of these synonyms include "occasionally," "intermittently," "sporadically," "from time to time," "every so often," "periodically," and "at intervals." Each of these synonyms conveys the same idea of something happening only occasionally or infrequently. By using these synonyms, writers and speakers can add variety to their language and make their descriptions more interesting. It's important to choose the right synonym that fits the context of the sentence to ensure clear and effective communication.