by occasionally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by occasionally" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something happens from time to time or at irregular intervals. Example: "She improves her skills by occasionally practicing with a mentor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Dogs trot by, occasionally raising a leg.

The New York Times

They stop by occasionally to restock.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Blumenthal has troubled us by occasionally telling audiences, falsely, that he served in Vietnam.

The New York Times

The two amuse each other with banter and by occasionally singing snatches from operas.

The New Yorker

In math, students used individualized software modules, with teachers stopping by occasionally to answer questions.

The New York Times

But let us be constructive by occasionally explaining the whys and suggesting some hows.

The New York Times

Sea turtles paddle by occasionally, happy they are encased in shells.

The New York Times - Travel

By occasionally isolating ourselves, we can more successfully, more generously, socialise.

The Guardian - Opinion

Another executive from Manhattan works out his stress by occasionally fantasizing.

The New York Times

Mr Madoff reinforced the message by occasionally ejecting a client who asked awkward questions.The trading business was hardly pristine either.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mr. O'Neill said that during construction passers-by occasionally reported that they had been born on the spot, or that their parents were.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by occasionally" to indicate that an action happens at irregular or infrequent intervals, adding nuance beyond simpler terms like "sometimes". For example: "The software is updated by occasionally patching vulnerabilities."

Common error

Avoid using "occasionally" multiple times in the same paragraph, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language using synonyms like "sometimes", "at times", or "periodically" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by occasionally" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the frequency with which an action or event occurs. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, serving to specify that something happens from time to time or at irregular intervals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by occasionally" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase to denote actions or events that occur at irregular intervals. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across diverse writing styles. It is most prevalent in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While it is appropriate for neutral to formal writing, varying your vocabulary with alternatives like "from time to time" or "at times" can enhance clarity and prevent repetitiveness. Avoid overusing "occasionally" within close proximity to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from time to time

Replaces "by occasionally" with a more common idiom, emphasizing irregular occurrence.

at times

Offers a shorter, more direct way to indicate that something happens sometimes.

every so often

Suggests a slightly less frequent occurrence than "occasionally".

on occasion

Similar in meaning but emphasizes the specific instances when something happens.

sometimes

A simpler and more general term for indicating that something happens in some instances but not always.

now and then

Indicates irregular intervals but might suggest a slightly more casual context.

once in a while

Similar to "now and then", implying infrequent occurrence.

at irregular intervals

More formal and descriptive, suitable for technical or precise contexts.

periodically

Suggests occurrence at somewhat regular but not continuous times.

intermittently

Highlights the stopping and starting nature of the action or event.

FAQs

How can I use "by occasionally" in a sentence?

Use "by occasionally" to describe actions that happen at irregular times. For example, "The team improves its strategy by occasionally analyzing past performances."

What are some alternatives to "by occasionally"?

You can use alternatives like "from time to time", "at times", or "every so often" to vary your language while maintaining a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "by occasional" instead of "by occasionally"?

No, "by occasional" is grammatically incorrect. You should use "by occasionally", where "occasionally" is an adverb modifying the verb, indicating how the action is performed.

What is the difference between "by occasionally" and "sometimes"?

"By occasionally" implies a degree of irregularity, whereas "sometimes" is a more general term for actions that happen in some instances but not always. You can also use alternatives such as "now and then" or "once in a while".