occasions when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'occasions when' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to indicate limited times or situations that occur. For example: "Due to the political climate, there are occasions when the country's leaders cannot communicate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are occasions when mistakes are made".

The Guardian

There are certainly occasions when they make a splash.

The Economist

There have been occasions when managers have been labelled Judas.

Independent

He can recall two occasions when he nearly gave up.

The New York Times - Sports

It was one of those rare occasions when nothing disappointed.

Independent

There are occasions when the agencies themselves are to blame.

The Telegraph

There have been occasions when they have arrived beyond 8am.

The Guardian

Scrumdiddlyumptious ("for those occasions when scrumptious simply won't do").

The Washington Post

There were many occasions when he could have lynched me.

The Guardian - Money

There had been occasions when she wandered off at night.

The Guardian

There are occasions when I miss interviewing people".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "occasions when" to introduce clauses that describe specific circumstances or conditions. This provides clarity and context to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "occasions when" in sentences where a simpler construction would suffice. For example, instead of "There are occasions when I eat pizza", consider "I sometimes eat pizza."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "occasions when" functions as a relative clause introducer, connecting a main clause to a subordinate clause that specifies the time or circumstances under which an action or event occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "occasions when" is a versatile phrase used to introduce specific times or circumstances, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and widely accepted, making it suitable for various contexts, from formal writing to casual conversation. While simpler alternatives like "times when" exist, "occasions when" adds a nuanced layer of detail. It’s important to avoid overusing it in simple sentences, opting for more concise phrasing when appropriate. By understanding its function and communicative purpose, writers can effectively use "occasions when" to enhance the clarity and precision of their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

times when

Replaces "occasions" with "times", emphasizing the temporal aspect.

instances where

Substitutes "occasions" with "instances", focusing on specific occurrences or examples.

situations in which

Replaces "occasions" with "situations", highlighting the contextual aspect of events.

circumstances under which

Emphasizes the conditions or context surrounding an event or action.

periods when

Focuses on specific stretches of time during which something occurs.

moments where

Highlights specific points in time at which something happens.

junctures at which

Suggests critical or decisive points in time.

dates when

Specifies particular dates or days on which events take place.

episodes where

Implies distinct and noteworthy events that occur.

incidents when

Focuses on specific occurrences, often with negative or noteworthy connotations.

FAQs

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

Use "occasions when" to introduce a clause specifying particular circumstances or times. For example: "There are "occasions when" extra help is needed".

What are some alternatives to "occasions when"?

You can use alternatives like "times when", "instances where", or "situations in which" to convey a similar meaning. For example, instead of "occasions when", you might say "times when".

Is "occasions when" formal or informal?

"Occasions when" is generally considered suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though simpler alternatives might be preferred in very casual settings. It's widely accepted across various registers.

What is the difference between "occasions when" and "cases where"?

While similar, "occasions when" emphasizes specific times or instances, whereas "cases where" often refers to specific scenarios or situations. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the temporal aspect or the situational aspect.