occasion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "occasion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a particular event or instance, often implying a special or noteworthy circumstance. Example: "We gathered to celebrate the occasion of her graduation with a big party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rise to the occasion.

The Guardian

Not on this occasion.

The Economist

The broadcaster RTÉ said 500,000 viewers watched its coverage of the Queen planting a tree at the presidential residence on Tuesday, and other channels also covered the occasion.

The Guardian

They did rally to a degree on this occasion, with a goal in the 41st minute as Tom Soare's testing delivery was turned into the net by McPake.

The Guardian - Sport

It was hardly the occasion anticipated at Hampden.

The Guardian - Sport

By half-time, it had looked like being a far more mundane occasion.

The Guardian - Sport

On this occasion a little boldness was understandable.

The Guardian - Sport

On ITV Tom Bradby provided charm, insight and a good array of guests, Adam Boulton was a commanding presence at the heart of Sky's programme – but they lack the ambition or sense of occasion the BBC brings and their secondary presenters offer charm, but less expertise.

The Guardian

Related: Dundee 0-1 Inverness | Scottish Premiership match report In the case of Inverness, in the year of their 21st birthday, this flagship occasion and opportunity to claim what would be a first piece of major silverware could hardly be more timely.

The Guardian - Sport

The occasion was a visit to the theatre, some time in my mid-teens, nearly 30 years ago.

The Guardian

Diplo marked the occasion by changing his Twitter username to CATEGORY 6 PLURICANE.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "occasion" with appropriate adjectives to convey the specific tone you want. Examples include "formal occasion", "festive occasion", or "solemn occasion".

Common error

Avoid using "occasion" in everyday, informal contexts where simpler words like "time" or "event" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound stilted or overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "occasion" is as a noun, referring to a particular time or event. As supported by Ludwig examples, it can denote a favorable opportunity or a special event. It also functions as a verb, meaning to cause or bring about.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Sport

20%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Arts

5%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "occasion" is a versatile term primarily used as a noun to describe specific events or opportunities, often with a connotation of importance or formality. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct and it sees very common use across various contexts, most frequently in news, sports, and lifestyle media. When writing, it's best to reserve "occasion" for situations where you want to highlight the significance of an event. While synonyms like "event" or "opportunity" may sometimes be interchangeable, "occasion" lends a particular weight and significance to the described scenario.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

event

Broader term referring to anything that happens, can be formal or informal.

instance

Refers to a specific occurrence or example.

opportunity

Highlights the favorable or opportune aspect of a situation.

affair

Usually refers to a social event or celebration.

chance

Highlights possibility and potential use of circumstance.

reason

Focuses on the cause or justification for something.

celebration

Highlights the festive aspect of an event.

circumstance

Emphasizes the surrounding conditions or state of affairs.

function

Similar to affair, often used for formal gatherings.

juncture

Stresses a specific point in time, especially a critical one.

FAQs

How can I use the word "occasion" in a sentence?

You can use "occasion" to refer to a specific event or a reason for something. For example, "The wedding was a joyous occasion" or "I have no occasion to feel offended".

What are some synonyms for "occasion"?

Synonyms for "occasion" include "event", "opportunity", "reason", and "instance". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "occasion" and "event"?

"Occasion" often implies a special or noteworthy event, while "event" is a more general term for anything that happens. Use "occasion" when you want to emphasize the importance of the gathering.

Is it better to say "on the occasion" or "at the event"?

Both phrases are correct, but "on the occasion" is typically used for more formal or significant events. "At the event" is more general and can be used in a wider range of contexts. Consider "on the "occasion" of her graduation" for a more formal tone versus "at the party" for a casual setting.