holy occasion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "holy occasion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a significant or sacred event, often in a religious or ceremonial context. Example: "The wedding was a holy occasion, filled with love and blessings from family and friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Whenever July 25th, Santiago's feast day, falls on a Sunday, as it did this year, that's an especially holy occasion, and pilgrims flock there from all over the world.

The New Yorker

"The Israeli tanks, cement barriers and the rifles of the oppressor have prevented me from participating with you at our annual celebrations on this holy occasion," Mr. Arafat said in a televised speech from Ramallah.

The New York Times

Particularly galling to those in the city's comic book community was the fact that the robbery occurred on something akin to a holy occasion for hard-core fans: the opening weekend of "Spider-Man," the movie.

The New York Times

And we find an example for doing so in the person of Jesus, whose birth we celebrate in this season -- a holy occasion dampened by our tears of grief and outrage.

Huffington Post

Brady, who is Catholic, then took the used glass back to his office, where he along with his wife, Debra, and two other staffers proceeded to take a sip from it, while taking pictures to memorialize the holy occasion.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

We cannot be happy on our holy occasions".

The Guardian

Contrary to the popular belief that the rest of baseball devoutly observes the high, holy occasions when the Yankees play the Red Sox, a full slate of games was scheduled for Friday night.

The New York Times - Sports

Vesak, the Buddhist holy day, is an occasion for a statement by the secretary general.

The New York Times

HOW is it that some religious festivals and holy days become an occasion not for jubilation, but brutality to others?

The Economist

Might the bitter and intractable battle in the Holy Land provide the occasion for making Europe a real, working toll-free number?

The New York Times

The disciples are visited in an "upper room" by the Holy Spirit on the occasion of Pentecost.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "holy occasion", ensure the context clearly indicates a religious or deeply spiritual event. Avoid using it for secular events, even if they are important or significant.

Common error

Avoid using "holy occasion" to describe non-religious events, such as a graduation or anniversary. Using it inappropriately can diminish its intended impact and create a jarring effect for the reader. Use phrases like "special event" or "significant moment" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "holy occasion" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "holy" modifies the noun "occasion". As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's typically used to describe events of significant religious or spiritual importance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "holy occasion" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, typically employed to denote events of profound religious or spiritual significance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While not overly frequent, its presence in reputable news sources and encyclopedias underscores its formality and authoritativeness. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the context aligns with its intended meaning, avoiding overuse in secular settings. Related phrases such as "sacred event" or "blessed event" can offer suitable alternatives depending on the nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sacred event

Replaces "holy" with "sacred", emphasizing the religious or spiritual significance.

blessed event

Substitutes "holy" with "blessed", highlighting the divine favor or blessing associated with the occasion.

religious celebration

Replaces "occasion" with "celebration", focusing on the festive and religious nature of the event.

solemn ceremony

Emphasizes the serious and respectful nature of the event, replacing "holy" with "solemn".

sacred observance

Focuses on the act of observing a religious practice, using "sacred" instead of "holy" and "observance" for "occasion".

divine event

Highlights the involvement of a deity or higher power, replacing "holy" with "divine".

hallowed event

Uses "hallowed", suggesting something consecrated or revered, in place of "holy".

spiritual event

Emphasizes the spiritual aspect of the occasion, using "spiritual" instead of "holy".

consecrated time

Shifts the focus to the time period being dedicated as holy.

reverent gathering

Highlights the respectful atmosphere of people coming together.

FAQs

What does "holy occasion" mean?

A "holy occasion" refers to a significant event, typically religious, that is considered sacred or blessed. It implies deep reverence and spiritual importance.

What are some synonyms for "holy occasion"?

Alternatives for "holy occasion" include "sacred event", "blessed event", and "religious celebration". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

You might say, "The pilgrimage to Mecca is a deeply "holy occasion" for Muslims worldwide." Or, "The baptism was a "holy occasion" for the entire family."

Is it appropriate to use "holy occasion" for secular events?

Generally, "holy occasion" is reserved for religious or spiritual events. Using it for secular events might sound unusual. Consider using phrases like "special occasion" or "important event" instead.