a significant occasion

USAGE SUMMARY

"a significant occasion" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to an event that is important and memorable. For example, "Their wedding was a significant occasion for the entire family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

His restaging of this 1979 play, originally devised at Hampstead with Jim Broadbent and Julie Walters, is a significant occasion.

The Guardian

Yet the build-up to such a significant occasion is being overshadowed by the imminent appointment of Moyes.

Independent

A Uefa Cup semi-final, of course, is a significant occasion whoever the opposition, but tonight's meeting of Dynamo Kyiv and Shakhtar Donetsk has added spice.

The Guardian - Sport

However, many people present thought it profoundly moving, and for this reason the film is an invaluable record of a significant occasion.

The Guardian - Film

Long before she and Mr. Lauer became co-hosts, Ms. Curry could be seen trying to find, or assert, her place in the show on a significant occasion: Ms. Couric's last day as co-host in 2006.

The New York Times - Arts

"While the ceremonies are a significant occasion, performance comes first for Team GB's athletes".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

But while much will be written about their success, it was also a hugely significant occasion for the losers.

The Guardian - Sport

So what will Carnegie Hall and the New York Philharmonic do for a really significant occasion: the Leonard Bernstein centenary, for example, in 2018?

The New York Times - Arts

The nature of the scorers sprinkled a bit of magic dust on an otherwise only mildly significant occasion.

The Guardian - Sport

A week from today, Japan will mark nine months since the Fukushima meltdowns began, and the occasion has been presaged by a subtle but deeply significant occasion.

The New Yorker

Celtic Park will reverberate with the excitable tension created by a genuinely competitive and significant occasion.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a significant occasion" when you want to emphasize the importance and potential impact of an event. This phrase is suitable for formal and neutral contexts where you need to convey that the event holds substantial meaning or consequence.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant occasion" in overly casual conversations. The phrase is relatively formal and might sound out of place in informal settings. Opt for simpler, more relaxed language like "a big day" or "an important event" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant occasion" functions as a noun phrase, with "significant" modifying the noun "occasion". It describes an event or instance that is important, noteworthy, or of considerable consequence. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant occasion" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig. It's best used to describe events of importance in neutral to formal contexts, such as news articles, business communications, or academic papers. While versatile, it may sound out of place in casual conversations, where simpler language is preferred. Common alternatives include "an important event" or "a special event". Remember to reserve this phrase for instances where you want to emphasize the weight and impact of an event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an important event

This alternative replaces "significant" with "important" and "occasion" with "event", focusing on the importance of the occurrence.

a special event

Using "special" instead of "significant" creates a more general positive connotation.

a historic event

This implies that the occasion is important enough to be recorded in history.

a noteworthy celebration

This phrase uses "noteworthy" and "celebration", suggesting a remarkable and festive event.

a momentous happening

Using "momentous" and "happening" emphasizes the importance and impact of the event.

a landmark event

This suggests that the event is a turning point or a milestone.

a memorable moment

This alternative highlights the lasting impact and recall value of the event, shifting focus to its memorability.

a crucial juncture

This alternative emphasizes the importance of the occasion as a critical point in time.

a remarkable instance

This phrase is similar, but emphasizes the uniqueness and noteworthiness of a specific instance.

an extraordinary circumstance

This alternative suggests that the occasion is exceptional and unusual.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant occasion" to describe an event that is important or noteworthy. For example, "The company's anniversary was "a significant occasion" for all employees".

What are some alternatives to "a significant occasion"?

Some alternatives include "an important event", "a special event", or "a memorable moment depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey".

Is "a significant occasion" formal or informal?

"A significant occasion" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for professional or academic writing. In casual conversation, simpler terms might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a significant occasion" and "a momentous occasion"?

"A momentous occasion" implies even greater importance and historical impact than "a significant occasion". "Momentous" suggests that the event will have lasting and far-reaching consequences.