an exceptional occasion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an exceptional occasion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a special or noteworthy event that stands out from the ordinary. Example: "The gala was an exceptional occasion, bringing together the community to celebrate our achievements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

What an exceptional occasion in which fowl is fair.

The Guardian

I said, 'Well, this is an exceptional occasion, of course.' But it's been that way ever since".

The New York Times

When gorillas use tools, Breuer says, "it's an exceptional occasion".

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Over the years, Max Mirnyi, Mario Ancic, Tomas Berdych and Ivan Ljubicic have formed a 6-foot-4-and-over league of players who have, on exceptional occasion, stolen a match from beneath Federer's greatness.

The New York Times - Sports

In the meantime, it's an added benefit to the exceptional occasion that the director will be on hand.

The New Yorker

Might this exceptional occasion further remind U.S. orchestras and opera companies, who show little interest in Nagano these days, just how important he has become?

Los Angeles Times

He told me that he never really hits on girls in the street, only "on exceptional occasions, when a woman is as beautiful as you are".

Vice

A special occasion?

The New York Times - Magazine

It's a special occasion.

The New York Times

Was it a special occasion?

The New York Times

Janiczak said the surveillance plan had been cleared by an official investigation, and that recordings would be made on "exceptional occasions".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a recurring event that is particularly well-done, describing it as "an exceptional occasion" sets it apart from the ordinary occurrences.

Common error

Avoid using "an exceptional occasion" in informal contexts or when describing everyday events. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler phrases like "a special event" or "a unique opportunity" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an exceptional occasion" functions as a noun phrase, serving as a subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is usable in written English and describes a special or noteworthy event. Example: "The gala was an exceptional occasion, bringing together the community to celebrate our achievements."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an exceptional occasion" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a unique and significant event. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not very common, it adds formality and emphasis. It's best suited for neutral contexts like news and media, and less appropriate for informal situations. When using this phrase, consider whether simpler alternatives like "a special event" might be more suitable. Remember to reserve "an exceptional occasion" for events that are truly noteworthy and stand out from the ordinary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an extraordinary event

Emphasizes the remarkable nature of the happening.

a special event

Replaces "exceptional occasion" with more common terms suggesting importance.

a unique circumstance

Focuses on the rarity and distinctiveness of the situation.

a memorable event

Highlights the likelihood of the occasion being remembered.

a significant happening

Highlights the importance and impact of the event.

a remarkable instance

Indicates that the occasion is worthy of attention.

a noteworthy instance

Indicates the occasion is worthy of attention.

a singular occurrence

Stresses the infrequency and uniqueness of the event.

a rare opportunity

Focuses on the infrequent chance presented by the occasion.

an unprecedented situation

Indicates that there is nothing similar or comparable that has happened before.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "an exceptional occasion"?

You can use alternatives like "a special event", "a unique circumstance", or "an extraordinary event" depending on the specific context.

Is "an exceptional occasion" formal or informal?

"An exceptional occasion" leans toward the formal side. It's best used when describing events that are truly noteworthy or significant. Using it in casual conversation might sound out of place.

How do I use "an exceptional occasion" in a sentence?

Use "an exceptional occasion" to describe an event that stands out from the ordinary. For example: "The conference was an exceptional occasion for networking and learning." or "Her wedding was truly an exceptional occasion, filled with joy and love."

What distinguishes "an exceptional occasion" from a typical "special occasion"?

While both phrases denote something out of the ordinary, "an exceptional occasion" implies a higher degree of rarity, importance, or memorability compared to a regular "special occasion". The former suggests that it's not just special but also distinctly remarkable or unique in some way.