occasional

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "occasional" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that happens from time to time or infrequently. Example: "I enjoy occasional visits to the museum to appreciate the art exhibits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gazans are materially cut off from the world economy, just as in Cuba: everything patched up and odd flashes of modernity amid an economy trapped in the 1970s – the occasional new car alongside battered Volvos and even more battered donkeys.

The Guardian - Opinion

Guardian Documentaries is currently looking to commission mostly short-form documentaries, with the occasional co-production on a longer doc.

The Guardian

It's a chance to lose yourself in the pleasures of childhood escapades - dirt, occasional nudity and malt loaf pit stops.

The Guardian - Travel

"You may go looking for anime on mainstream television," he said, "but anime's profile on mainstream UK television has always been relatively low – a few late-night screenings on Channel 4 and the occasional prime-time airing on Sci Fi".

The Guardian

The 1985 Bears were bona fide pop cultural icons – punky QB Jim McMahon would join the show later that season ahead of Super Bowl while Walter Payton and Mike Ditka also made appearances – yet none came with the fanfare of Chicago's 335lb defensive tackle and occasional short-yardage runner.

The Guardian - Sport

The worldwide growth of Imax and the occasional spectacular success of 3D bolsters the case, even if the distribution landscape is shifting and film-makers find themselves with an increasing array of distribution methods.

The Guardian - Film

Bullock says the crossing is used primarily, when at all, by occasional ramblers and rail enthusiasts.

The Guardian

Until he started work in February, the military pattern in Syria had been consistent for several months – occasional forays by rebels into urban areas followed by excessive reaction by government troops, with artillery, snipers, and mass arrests.

The Guardian - Opinion

Any woman who hopes to achieve damehood with a minimum of inner torment will want to study Joan Collins, whose foremost political acts appear to be her contributions to the Spectator and occasional outbursts against the modern world.

The Guardian - Opinion

Listener emails, nonsense rhymes, the occasional double entendre and a bit of comedy banter with the newsreader?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

On the roof of our building a resister with a.22 rifle loosed off the occasional shot until he was killed by a passing helicopter.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "occasional", ensure that the context clarifies the infrequency of the event to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "occasional" when something happens more frequently than implied. For example, don't say "occasional meetings" if the meetings occur weekly; instead, opt for "regular meetings."

Linguistic Context

The adjective "occasional" primarily functions to modify nouns, indicating that the described event or object occurs or appears infrequently. Ludwig confirms that this word is correct and usable in written English, highlighting its role in specifying the infrequency of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "occasional" is an adjective used to describe something that happens or appears irregularly or infrequently. It is grammatically correct, as Ludwig AI confirms, and commonly found in various contexts, primarily in news and media. Related terms include "sporadic", "intermittent", and "infrequent". When using "occasional", it's important to ensure the context clearly conveys the intended infrequency, avoiding overuse to downplay actual frequency. This guide provides best practices, common errors, and frequently asked questions to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on occasion

Means happening sometimes, used to specify the infrequency.

infrequent

Implies that something does not happen often; it's rare.

sporadic

Indicates occurrences that happen at irregular intervals, often without a predictable pattern.

from time to time

Indicates that something occurs at various times, but not frequently.

intermittent

Suggests that something stops and starts repeatedly, not continuous.

irregular

Suggests a lack of fixed pattern or consistency.

periodic

Happens at regular intervals but not continuously.

uncommon

Indicates that something is not seen or experienced frequently.

now and then

An idiomatic expression meaning sometimes, but not regularly.

every so often

Similar to "now and then", indicating irregular timing.

FAQs

How can I use "occasional" in a sentence?

You can use "occasional" to describe something that happens or appears irregularly or infrequently. For example, "I enjoy an occasional visit to the museum" or "He makes occasional contributions to the blog".

What are some alternatives to saying "occasional"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "sporadic", "infrequent", or "intermittent" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to use "occasional" or "sometimes"?

"Occasional" implies a lower frequency than "sometimes". Use "occasional" when something happens rarely, and "sometimes" when it happens with more moderate frequency.

What's the difference between "occasional" and "casual"?

"Occasional" refers to the frequency of an event, while "casual" refers to the level of formality or intention. You might have an "occasional" meeting (infrequent), or wear "casual" clothes (informal).