on certain occasions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on certain occasions" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it to refer to a situation that happens less frequently than others or when a specific instance or event is being referenced: "On certain occasions, the company allowed employees to take a day off for special events."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Remember: Small changes can make a big difference, progress is often incremental, and it is important not to get discouraged by temporary setbacks if you find that you continue to drink more than you intend to on certain occasions.

HuffPost

"I agree with the issue that I called some years ago as heroic flexibility since this move is highly good and necessary on certain occasions, but with commitment to one main condition".

Huffington Post

Armigers are permitted to wear one silver eagle feather behind the circlet (or on certain occasions a real eagle feather).

Wikipedia

The government should step in on certain occasions.

The Guardian

Food and rice are still offered to venerated volcanos on certain occasions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On certain occasions, he sports a top hat and a cane.

The New York Times

I was expected to work extremely long days with no breaks on certain occasions.

The Guardian

In reliance on this argument, force has been used on certain occasions.

The Guardian

On certain occasions, it becomes necessary to explore a particular topic relevant to the forensic neuropathology consultation in great detail.

Forensic Neuropathology A Practical Review of the Fundamentals

Sometimes ladybirds locate high prey biomass while on certain occasions prey biomass may be either medium/low or altogether absent.

Biological Control

It can involve a temporary structure put up only on certain occasions or a complete stand-alone permanent building.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on certain occasions" to add nuance when describing events that don't happen regularly. It's more specific than "sometimes" and can highlight the particularity of the instances.

Common error

While "on certain occasions" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for more concise alternatives like "occasionally" or "sometimes" to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on certain occasions" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the circumstances under which an action occurs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes that something happens sometimes, not always, adding specificity to the timing or conditions of an event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

18%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on certain occasions" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to specify that an event occurs sometimes, not always. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. While relatively neutral in tone, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider concise alternatives like "occasionally" or "sometimes" in formal writing. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively incorporate "on certain occasions" to add nuance and specificity to their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

occasionally

This single-word adverb directly replaces the entire phrase, providing a simpler option.

on occasion

This variant is slightly more formal and emphasizes the specific instance.

sometimes

This is a very common and straightforward synonym, suitable for most contexts.

at times

This alternative offers a more concise way to express the idea of something happening occasionally.

in some instances

This alternative highlights specific occurrences rather than a general timeframe.

at certain times

This option emphasizes specific points in time when something happens.

from time to time

This phrase conveys the idea of something happening periodically or intermittently.

every so often

This phrase suggests a more irregular or unpredictable frequency.

now and then

This is a more informal way of saying 'occasionally'.

on rare occasions

This emphasizes that the event happens infrequently.

FAQs

How can I use "on certain occasions" in a sentence?

You can use "on certain occasions" to specify that something happens sometimes but not always. For example, "The museum offers free admission "on certain occasions", such as during holiday weekends".

What are some alternatives to "on certain occasions"?

Alternatives include "occasionally", "sometimes", "from time to time", and "at times" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "on certain occasions" or "in certain circumstances"?

While both phrases indicate specific situations, "on certain occasions" usually refers to events or instances, whereas "in certain circumstances" refers to a set of conditions. The best choice depends on the intended meaning.

How formal is the phrase "on certain occasions"?

"On certain occasions" is considered relatively neutral in formality. It's suitable for many contexts but can be replaced by simpler terms like "sometimes" in more informal settings.