occasionally working

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "occasionally working" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone works from time to time, rather than consistently or regularly. Example: "I enjoy occasionally working on freelance projects to keep my skills sharp."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Rather, their clicas are opportunistic, occasionally working for drug cartels and other powerful gangs.

The Washington Post

While occasionally working as an editor, he continued his artistic pursuits.

The New York Times - Books

He has found a cable, hooked it to the grid and wired in electricity for when the power is occasionally working.

The Guardian

Light on drums and guitar, they often showcase Mitski's vocals against spare piano or string arrangements, occasionally working in some horns.

The New Yorker

After high school, he turned down a music scholarship and began performing in Reno and later Las Vegas, occasionally working as a blackjack dealer for extra money.

The New York Times - Arts

"People are afraid to go there without protection, and rightly so," Mrs. Gould said, although she admitted to occasionally working in the cemeteries alone.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

He also occasionally worked in film.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Maybe you can occasionally work remotely.

Columbia University

She occasionally worked as an actress.

The New York Times - Arts

Some media frenzies may occasionally work like that.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ford occasionally worked for other commercial and media clients too.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's employment status, use "occasionally working" to convey that they have some work, but it is not a primary or consistent source of income. This can be more nuanced than simply stating they are 'unemployed'.

Common error

Avoid using "occasionally working" when the person is regularly employed part-time. "Occasionally working" implies a less consistent and less predictable work schedule than standard part-time employment.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "occasionally working" is as an adverbial modifier describing the manner in which someone is working. It modifies the verb 'working' to indicate the frequency or regularity of the action. Ludwig AI confirms that "occasionally working" is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

9%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "occasionally working" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone's irregular or infrequent engagement in work. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It's important to use this phrase accurately, distinguishing it from terms like "part-time working", which implies a more structured schedule. As seen in examples from sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, "occasionally working" often appears in news and media to describe individuals with sporadic employment. Alternative phrases like "sporadically employed" or "working on occasion" can be used depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

working on occasion

Rephrases the original, keeping the core meaning intact.

irregularly working

Directly indicates a lack of a consistent work schedule.

sometimes working

A more common and simpler alternative.

intermittently employed

Highlights the start-and-stop nature of the work.

sporadically employed

Emphasizes the irregular and unpredictable nature of employment.

periodically working

Suggests work that occurs at set intervals, but infrequently.

working off and on

Indicates a fluctuating work pattern.

part-time working

Focuses on reduced hours, though not necessarily irregular.

freelancing occasionally

Specifically refers to occasional freelance work.

now and then working

Informal way to express infrequent work.

FAQs

What does "occasionally working" mean?

The phrase "occasionally working" means someone is employed or engaged in work activities from time to time, but not on a regular or consistent basis. It suggests the work is infrequent or sporadic.

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

You can use "occasionally working" to describe someone's employment status, like: "She is "occasionally working" as a consultant while looking for a full-time job".

What are some alternatives to saying "occasionally working"?

Alternatives include "sporadically employed", "intermittently employed", or "working on occasion". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more accurate to say "part-time working" or "occasionally working"?

"Part-time working" implies a structured, albeit reduced, work schedule. "Occasionally working" suggests a more random and less predictable pattern of employment. Choose the phrase that best reflects the actual situation.