occasion when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "occasion when" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when talking about a special event, or a time when something notable happened. For example, "It was an occasion when everyone came together to celebrate the happy couple."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On one occasion, when hecklers shouted "Humphrey!

The New Yorker

It was that rare occasion when Jordan outsmarted himself.

The New York Times

"So on the occasion when Tusk does shout, Brussels stops".

The Economist

It is also the occasion when older officials cede power.

The Economist

Probably on occasion, when I don't catch myself.

The New York Times

You can relax into the whole occasion when you're there.

Independent

I remember another occasion when she was struggling a bit.

Independent

It was an occasion when Arsenal got the job done.

The Guardian - Sport

Benefits are the occasion when different communities interface," she said.

The New York Times - Style

It is a rare occasion when he makes a visit.

The New York Times

Tells about another occasion when this happened in 1924.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "occasion when", ensure that the following clause provides relevant and specific information to avoid ambiguity. The clause should clearly relate to the "occasion" being referenced.

Common error

Avoid using "occasion when" if the 'occasion' is not clearly defined or understood by the reader. This can lead to confusion. Instead, provide a more specific reference or rephrase the sentence for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "occasion when" functions as a relative clause, introducing further information about a particular event or instance. Ludwig indicates its correct usage across a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "occasion when" is a versatile phrase used to introduce clauses providing additional context or detail about specific events or instances. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used across varied contexts such as News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings. While the phrase is generally neutral, writers should ensure the 'occasion' is clearly defined to avoid vagueness. Alternative phrases like "time when" or "instance where" can be used depending on the specific nuance intended. Mastering the use of "occasion when" can improve clarity and provide a smoother flow in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time when

Focuses on the temporal aspect, emphasizing a specific point in time.

instance where

Highlights a specific occurrence or example.

circumstance in which

Emphasizes the surrounding conditions or situation.

situation where

Similar to 'circumstance', but slightly less formal.

event during which

Specifically refers to an event and the time frame within it.

moment that

Emphasizes a brief period of time.

period when

Refers to a longer or less defined span of time.

case in which

Focuses on a particular instance or example, often used in legal or formal contexts.

juncture at which

Highlights a critical point or moment in time, often in a formal context.

day that

Specifically identifies a particular day when something happened.

FAQs

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

Use "occasion when" to connect a specific event or instance with a related action or state. For example, "There was one "occasion when" she actually agreed with me."

What are some alternatives to "occasion when"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "time when", "instance where", or "circumstance in which" to express a similar meaning.

Is it always necessary to use "when" after "occasion"?

While not always grammatically required, using "when" after "occasion" often provides clarity and smoothness to the sentence, especially when followed by a clause. Omitting "when" might make the sentence sound slightly awkward in some contexts.

What's the difference between "occasion when" and "moment when"?

"Occasion when" typically refers to a more significant or noteworthy event, while "moment when" refers to a specific point in time. An "occasion" can encompass a longer duration or a series of related events, whereas a "moment" is usually brief.