make an occasion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make an occasion" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe creating or organizing a special event or gathering for a certain purpose. For example, "We decided to make an occasion out of our 10th anniversary and invited all of our friends and family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Mr Obama should have been so bold.The president went to Cairo to make an occasion.

The Economist

For example, in the Falls Event Centers Down has opened, clients are able to bring their own food, their own furniture anything they may desire to make an occasion entirely their own.

Forbes

Get some soda, snacks, party decorations with a rainbow theme and make an occasion of it to mark your public expression.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

You can eat anywhere, so diners (including kids) making an occasion of it spill into a slightly more formal dining area lit by chandelier and with a view into the open kitchen.

The Guardian - Travel

By T. Cathledge, Harold Ross, and A. J. Liebling The New Yorker, November 24, 1934 P. 14 President Roosevelt doesn't have to remember the birthdate and other anniversaries that he so frequently makes an occasion for congratulatory messages.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, November 24, 1934 P. 14 President Roosevelt doesn't have to remember the birthdate and other anniversaries that he so frequently makes an occasion for congratulatory messages.

The New Yorker

By T. Cathledge, Harold Ross, and A. J. Liebling The New Yorker, November 24 , 1934P. 11 President Roosevelt doesn't have to remember the birthdates and other anniversaries that he so frequently makes an occasion for congratulatory messages.

The New Yorker

"Making an occasion out of a delayed announcement is an attempt to con the people into believing that we have moved a step towards independence when we haven't".

BBC

That last element helped make a formal occasion feel warm and welcoming.

The New York Times - Arts

But this is an explanatory note and I don't intend to make a rabbinic occasion of it.

The New Yorker

So we're able to touch a lot of lives in a positive way and be there to make a better occasion, a nicer time".

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make an occasion" when you want to emphasize the act of deliberately creating a special or memorable event, often by adding particular elements or significance to it. For example, "They decided to make an occasion out of their simple dinner by lighting candles and playing music."

Common error

While "make an occasion" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise or sophisticated synonyms like "commemorate", "celebrate", or "highlight" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make an occasion" functions as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it's used to describe the act of creating or organizing a special event. As confirmed by Ludwig, this suggests a deliberate effort to add significance to something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make an occasion" is a grammatically correct verb phrase that describes the act of creating or elevating an event to something special. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various sources, mainly in news, general web content, and business contexts. While its usage is considered correct, it's best to avoid overusing it in highly formal writing, opting instead for more precise synonyms. Common errors include using the phrase in inappropriate formal contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in "News & Media" sources. The semantic function is to transform an ordinary event into something special and memorable, emphasizing planned celebrations and noteworthy events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create a celebration

Focuses specifically on the act of celebrating, implying a joyful atmosphere.

highlight the event

Emphasizes drawing attention to an existing event, making it more prominent.

mark the moment

Suggests acknowledging and remembering a specific point in time, often with significance.

stage a celebration

Suggests the deliberate planning and execution of a celebration.

commemorate the event

Implies a formal and respectful remembering of a past event.

plan a special gathering

Implies a more intimate and personal event, typically involving close friends or family.

organize an event

Focuses on the practical aspects of planning and managing an event.

host an event

Highlights the role of someone as the organizer or provider of an event.

designate a special day

Emphasizes the selection of a particular day for recognition or celebration.

throw a party

Suggests a casual and festive gathering, often with a focus on entertainment.

FAQs

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

You can use "make an occasion" to describe turning an ordinary event into something special. For example, "They decided to make an occasion of their anniversary by going to a fancy restaurant".

What's a more formal alternative to "make an occasion"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "commemorate the event" or "celebrate the event" which convey a sense of respect and importance.

Is it correct to say "making an occasion out of something"?

Yes, the phrase "making an occasion out of something" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe adding special significance or celebration to an event or activity.

What does it mean to "make it an occasion"?

To "make it an occasion" means to elevate something to a level of importance or celebration beyond its ordinary status. For example, "The guest list for the Breakthrough prize ceremony is intended to make it an occasion."