an occasion when

USAGE SUMMARY

'an occasion when' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a time or a situation when something happens. Example: She remembered the occasion when she first met her husband.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was an occasion when Arsenal got the job done.

The Guardian - Sport

Was there an occasion when you looked ­particularly fabulous?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But I can't think of an occasion when I thought we had got it wrong".

The Guardian

There was rarely both, rarely an occasion when I wrote something before and after a show.

Independent

Otherwise this was an occasion when Arsenal punished their opponent at every opportunity.

Independent

I still do it on an occasion when a word is strange to me.

Independent

But this was an occasion when protocol was overridden by delirium and sheer release.

The Guardian - Sport

I did!" she shrieks, on an occasion when the other dino-babies catch her by surprise.

The New York Times

But this was an occasion when Tottenham's resilience would endure an exacting test.

The Guardian - Sport

It was an occasion when Arsenal stood up to some rough stuff.

The Guardian - Sport

Yevtushenko himself bowed to pressure on an occasion when Shostakovich did not.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an occasion when" to clearly introduce a specific instance or event in your writing, providing context or examples to support your points.

Common error

Avoid using "an occasion when" in overly simple sentences where a more direct phrasing would be clearer and more concise. For example, instead of "There was an occasion when I saw him", try "I saw him once".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an occasion when" functions as a relative clause introducer, connecting a noun (occasion) with a clause that provides specific details or circumstances about that noun. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an occasion when" serves as a relative clause introducer, specifying a particular event or instance. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread use across various contexts, primarily in news and media, academic, and formal business settings. Alternatives include "a time when" or "an instance where". While grammatically correct and very common, it's important to avoid overuse in overly simple sentences. Remember to use it to provide specific context and examples in your writing for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a time when

Replaces "occasion" with the more general term "time", maintaining the same meaning.

a moment when

Substitutes "occasion" with "moment", emphasizing a shorter, more specific period.

an instance where

Uses "instance" to highlight a specific occurrence or example.

a situation where

Replaces "occasion" with "situation", focusing on the circumstances surrounding an event.

an event where

Shifts the focus to a planned or significant happening.

a circumstance in which

Uses a more formal phrasing to describe the conditions surrounding an event.

a case where

Highlights a specific instance or example, often in a legal or analytical context.

a period when

Focuses on a duration of time during which something happens.

a juncture at which

Emphasizes a critical point or moment in time.

an episode where

Highlights a specific event that is part of a larger series or narrative.

FAQs

How can I use "an occasion when" in a sentence?

Use "an occasion when" to introduce a specific instance or event. For example: "I remember "an occasion when" I met the president."

What are some alternatives to "an occasion when"?

You can use alternatives like "a time when", "a moment when", or "an instance where" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "an occasion where" or "an occasion when"?

"An occasion when" is generally preferred when referring to a specific time or event. "An occasion where" is less common and typically used to describe a location or situation.

What is the difference between "an occasion when" and "a situation where"?

"An occasion when" refers to a specific event or time, while "a situation where" describes a set of circumstances. Consider the context to choose the more appropriate phrase; for example "It was "an occasion when" protocol was overridden" vs "a situation where everyone panicked".