occasionally when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "occasionally when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe events or actions that happen from time to time under certain conditions. Example: "I enjoy going for a walk occasionally when the weather is nice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Occasionally, when the ceiling lowers, we nearly crack our heads.

Independent

Occasionally, when he has good reason, he faints.

The New York Times

He used to do that occasionally when he was young.

The New Yorker

"Occasionally when a school brings it up, parents intervene.

The Guardian

And occasionally, when things get stressful, my sense of humour.

The Guardian

Occasionally when I'm with Derrick, I think again about his grandfather Willie Bryant.

The New Yorker

I see him occasionally when I'm up north but only if we bump into each other.

Independent

Occasionally, when things aren't going well, a parent will Skype me.

The New York Times

He didn't talk about it, except occasionally, when someone asked him directly.

The New Yorker

Occasionally when he poured me a drink he would claim he was trying to poison me.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But then occasionally - when weekend arrives - we allow ourselves to indulge in sugar and fat like there is no tomorrow.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "occasionally when" to describe events that happen under specific conditions, adding detail about the circumstances that trigger the action.

Common error

Avoid using "occasionally when" excessively in formal writing. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Opt for more precise alternatives depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "occasionally when" functions as an adverbial conjunction, linking a main clause with a subordinate clause that specifies the condition under which the action in the main clause occurs. As Ludwig AI indicates, it introduces a conditional element to the action or event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

13%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "occasionally when" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to connect an action with a condition that triggers it. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts and is generally neutral in register. For more formal or scientific writing, consider alternative phrases. Always ensure that the specific context warrants its use, as overuse can detract from the sophistication of your writing. Examples demonstrate its suitability in various sentences, marking it a reliable addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sometimes when

Indicates a similar frequency, but "sometimes" is more general and doesn't necessarily imply a specific condition.

on occasion when

More formal and emphasizes specific instances rather than a general pattern.

at times when

More formal alternative, suggesting a less frequent occurrence than "occasionally".

from time to time when

Slightly more verbose, emphasizing the sporadic nature of the event.

sporadically when

Similar to "occasionally" but emphasizes the unpredictable nature of the events.

every so often when

Emphasizes the irregularity and infrequency of the event.

now and then when

Indicates an irregular but not necessarily infrequent occurrence.

periodically when

Suggests that events occur at somewhat regular intervals, unlike "occasionally".

irregularly when

Highlights the lack of a fixed pattern in the occurrence of events.

if and when

Expresses conditionality and uncertainty about the occurrence of the event, unlike "occasionally".

FAQs

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

Use "occasionally when" to connect a sporadic action with a specific condition or situation. For example: "I enjoy going for a walk "occasionally when" the weather is nice".

What are some alternatives to "occasionally when"?

You can use alternatives like "sometimes when", "at times when", or "on occasion when" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to use "occasionally when" or "sometimes when"?

Both "occasionally when" and "sometimes when" are correct, but "occasionally" suggests a slightly less frequent occurrence than "sometimes". Choose the word that best reflects the actual frequency of the event you are describing.

Can "occasionally when" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "occasionally when" is acceptable in formal writing, but ensure it fits the tone. In highly formal contexts, consider more sophisticated alternatives to maintain a professional style.