a single occasion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single occasion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to one specific event or instance. Example: "I only visited that restaurant on a single occasion, but I remember the food was excellent."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The study was a single occasion descriptive design.

Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies

Clients completed the IMR on a single occasion.

Psychiatry Research

The Joneses will also grow something for a single occasion.

The New York Times - Food

Infection was established efficiently by applying infective larvae to the skin of possums on a single occasion.

International Journal for Parasitology

N = 102 participants were randomized and purchased groceries on a single occasion at a three-dimensional Virtual Supermarket.

Appetite

The report says 47% reported drinking more than four standard drinks on a single occasion on at least a monthly basis, 33% consumed 11 or more standard drinks on a single occasion at least yearly, and 18% at least monthly.

The Guardian

Exposure of infant rats or mice to ethanol on a single occasion during the period of rapid synaptogenesis can cause extensive apoptotic neurodegeneration throughout the developing CNS.

Neurobiology of Disease

I keep looking for a single occasion when Ben Bernanke has used the "t" word.

BBC

However, he became concerned when the same headache was precipitated after lifting a heavy radiator on a single occasion.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Is a company that provided a company with a one-off good on a single occasion a supplier?

Forbes

This means that if students have used the possibility to make a Retweet, this has been done practically on a single occasion.

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a single occasion" to clearly indicate that something happened only once, avoiding ambiguity about frequency.

Common error

Avoid using "a single occasion" when you actually mean something happens regularly or repeatedly. Be precise about the frequency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single occasion" functions as an adverbial modifier or determiner specifying the frequency of an event. It clarifies that an action or event occurred only one time. Ludwig AI confirms this by showcasing various sentence structures where the phrase is used to express a one-time occurrence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

27%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a single occasion" is a phrase used to denote that something happens only once. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals its common usage across various domains, particularly in scientific studies, news reports, and formal business communications. While grammatically correct, it's important to use this phrase precisely to avoid confusing it with events that occur multiple times. Related phrases like "one instance" or "a unique event" can be used as alternatives, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to use "a single occasion" to avoid ambiguity regarding frequency and to ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one instance

This is a more concise and formal alternative, focusing on the occurrence itself.

a solitary instance

Emphasizes the isolated nature of the event.

a unique event

Highlights the distinctiveness of the occasion.

an isolated case

Suggests the event is not typical or part of a pattern.

one-time event

Indicates that the event happened only once and is not recurring.

a singular occurrence

Implies the event is unusual or noteworthy.

a one-off event

Informal way to emphasize the non-recurring nature of the occasion.

an individual time

Simple and direct way to express a single instance.

a particular instance

Highlights a specific instance within a broader context.

a lone instance

Emphasizes the lack of repetition or similar events.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single occasion" to describe an event that happened only once. For example, "I met him on "a single occasion" at a conference."

What can I say instead of "a single occasion"?

You can use alternatives like "one instance", "a unique event", or "a one-time event" depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "a single occasion" or "one time"?

"A single occasion" is generally considered more formal than the phrase "one time". Use "a single occasion" in professional or academic writing.

What's the difference between "a single occasion" and "several occasions"?

"A single occasion" refers to something happening only once, while "several occasions" indicates that something happened more than once but not necessarily regularly.