occasional basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "occasional basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that occurs from time to time, rather than regularly or consistently. Example: "We meet on an occasional basis to discuss project updates and team progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The majority of older adults in the sample reported that they spoke to their neighbours occasionally (men = 49.0%; women 63.6%), visited friends on an occasional basis (men = 73.7%; women = 78.9%), socialized occasionally (men = 79.4%; women = 77.7%), and were occasionally involved in religious activities (men = 63.2%; women = 59.5%).

BMC Public Health

If I can help on an occasional basis, I would be willing to do that.

The New York Times - Sports

Dzeko is still a City player, although only on an occasional basis.

The New York Times - Sports

Hansen's former Liverpool teammate Mark Lawrenson will also continue to feature on an occasional basis.

Independent

The teams in our conference, for instance, are more able to compete on a high level on an occasional basis".

The New York Times - Sports

According to her friends, ketamine was something Louise took on an occasional basis, as many of them do too.

The Guardian

It seems a wholly disproportionate demand to make of writers and other people who want to go into schools on an occasional basis, to public talks or demonstrations.

The Guardian - Opinion

Gatland wants Wales to thrive not only in the Six Nations but to challenge New Zealand, South Africa and Australia on a regular, rather than an occasional, basis.

The Guardian - Sport

As a result, 14 of those 16 teachers are still teaching and in contact with students, on either a daily or occasional basis.

The New York Times

Vegetarians, including vegans, will find sufficient variety here to justify return visits, while many nonvegetarians will appreciate the menu's imaginative preparations enough to sample them on an occasional basis.

The New York Times

Member states should also distinguish between individuals providing services on an occasional basis and providers acting in a professional capacity, by establishing thresholds based on the level of activity, the guidelines recommend.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When precision is key, consider whether "occasional basis" accurately conveys the frequency. If more accurate options exist, like "sporadically" or "intermittently", use them for better clarity.

Common error

While correct, "occasional basis" can sometimes sound verbose in formal contexts. Opt for more concise alternatives like "infrequently" or "sporadically" to enhance readability and maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "occasional basis" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to indicate how frequently an action occurs. According to Ludwig, it correctly describes something happening from time to time rather than regularly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science & Research

2%

Opinion

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "occasional basis" serves as a useful adverbial phrase indicating that something occurs from time to time rather than regularly. As affirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. While versatile, consider alternatives like "infrequently" or "sporadically" for greater precision or conciseness in formal writing. While it is good to keep in mind that it is grammatically correct, be aware of its frequency across various contexts. Therefore, always adapt your word choice to suit the specific tone and audience to maintain clarity and professionalism in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Infrequently

Directly states that something doesn't happen often.

Now and then

A simple and direct synonym.

From time to time

A common, less formal way to express the same idea.

Once in a while

Indicates something happens rarely or infrequently.

Sporadically

Implies a more scattered or isolated occurrence.

Every so often

Similar to "once in a while" but slightly more frequent.

Irregularly

Focuses on the lack of a fixed pattern.

Intermittently

Suggests actions or events that stop and start at intervals.

At intervals

Emphasizes the spaced-out nature of the occurrences.

On and off

Suggests a halting or inconsistent pattern.

FAQs

What does "occasional basis" mean?

The phrase "occasional basis" means something happens from time to time, not regularly or consistently. It suggests that an event or action occurs infrequently.

How can I use "occasional basis" in a sentence?

You can use "occasional basis" to describe activities or events that are not routine. For example: "I help my neighbor with yard work on an occasional basis."

What phrases are similar to "occasional basis"?

Alternatives include phrases like "from time to time", "once in a while", or "infrequently" to convey a similar meaning of something not happening regularly.

Is it better to use "occasional basis" or "sporadic basis"?

Both phrases indicate infrequent occurrences, but "sporadic basis" might imply a more irregular and unpredictable pattern than "occasional basis".