On occasion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "On occasion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something happens sometimes but not regularly or frequently. Example: "On occasion, I like to treat myself to a nice dinner at my favorite restaurant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On occasion.

The New York Times - Magazine

On occasion, they were.

The Economist

On occasion it is.

The New York Times

On occasion, Hollywood beckoned.

The New York Times

On occasion, Saban offered advice.

The New Yorker

On occasion, the menu misfires.

The New York Times

On occasion, he even smiles.

The New Yorker

On occasion the roles switched.

The New York Times - Science

On occasion, he stole.

The New Yorker

On occasion he can't skirt glibness.

The New York Times - Books

On occasion, students have protested against R.O.T.C.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "On occasion" to add variety to your writing when describing events that happen irregularly but not rarely. This can make your text sound more sophisticated than using just "sometimes".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "On occasion" can sound overly formal in casual conversations or informal writing. Consider using simpler alternatives like "sometimes" or "now and then" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "On occasion" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate frequency. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase is used to express that an event or action happens sometimes, but not regularly.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "On occasion" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverbial phrase that indicates something happens from time to time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability in diverse contexts, particularly within news, encyclopedic, and wiki sources. While the phrase is acceptable, remember that slightly less formal alternatives like "sometimes" and "now and then" might be more suitable for informal conversations. Also, overuse can make your writings less natural than they could be.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Occasionally

A direct synonym, simply indicating that something happens sometimes.

On certain occasions

Highlights specific instances where the event is likely to occur.

From time to time

Emphasizes the sporadic nature of the event, suggesting it occurs periodically.

Sometimes

A broader term that simply states the event happens in some instances.

At times

Focuses on the specific instances when something happens, rather than the frequency.

Now and then

Suggests a slightly more informal and infrequent occurrence.

Once in a while

Indicates a relatively low frequency, highlighting the infrequency of the event.

Every so often

Implies that the event happens at irregular intervals.

Periodically

Suggests that the event happens at more regular but still infrequent intervals.

At various times

Implies a non-specific and potentially varied frequency of the event.

FAQs

How can I use "On occasion" in a sentence?

You can use "On occasion" to indicate that something happens from time to time, but not regularly. For example, "On occasion, I enjoy visiting the museum."

What are some alternatives to "On occasion"?

Alternatives to "On occasion" include "from time to time", "occasionally", or "at times". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "in occasion" instead of "On occasion"?

No, the correct phrase is "On occasion". "In occasion" is not grammatically correct and should be avoided.

What's the difference between "On occasion" and "frequently"?

"On occasion" implies that something happens sometimes but not often, while "frequently" means that something happens often or regularly. They have opposite meanings regarding frequency.