on infrequent occasions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on infrequent occasions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe events or actions that happen rarely or not often. Example: "On infrequent occasions, we gather for team-building activities to strengthen our collaboration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

On infrequent occasions, Prince Abdullah has served as regent in Jordan, with the power to oversee the country during the absence of senior members of the royal family.

The New York Times

On infrequent occasions, the condition can result from dental surgery, usually due to use of high-speed tools that are air driven.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

betterday I was in a similar situation to Mr. Bruni's, driving on an expired license on the infrequent occasions I drove.

The New York Times

Over the decades, German and English were the languages used on those infrequent occasions when an opera by a Czech composer was mounted on this coast.

Los Angeles Times

Since then, on those infrequent occasions when she has accepted a role, each reappearance has been an event.

The New York Times - Magazine

On the infrequent occasions when the sun was out — for about two hours around noon — Fraser could stand on the bridge and, as temperatures dropped, watch the sea ice form before his eyes.

The New Yorker

On the infrequent occasions when I am not frisked, my troubles usually begin when I am asked to spread out my clothing and possessions -- keys, wallet, change, pens, notebooks -- on a long table.

The New York Times - Travel

Once, they were kept in containers marked with skull and crossbones; on the infrequent occasions of their use, the utmost care was taken that they should come in contact with the target and with nothing else.

The New Yorker

On the infrequent occasions when they swim in oceanic waters, grey reef sharks often associate with marine mammals or large pelagic fishes, such as sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus).

Wikipedia

On not infrequent occasion, one of two things will happen: Trump will tweet a string of thoughts over multiple tweets or Trump will delete and reissue a thought on Twitter.

The Washington Post

This is especially true for me on those not infrequent occasions when an Maya slips from a jungle trail on the road, machete slung on his belt, from some back-country, slash-and-burn rancho in the interior.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on infrequent occasions", consider the formality of your context. While grammatically correct, simpler alternatives like "rarely" or "occasionally" might be more suitable for informal writing. For more formal writing, ensure the phrase adds specific nuance, such as emphasizing the unexpected nature of the event.

Common error

Avoid using "on infrequent occasions" in contexts where simpler alternatives are clearer and more direct. Overly formal phrasing can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural. Assess whether the added length of the phrase enhances meaning or merely complicates it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on infrequent occasions" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate how often an action occurs. As Ludwig AI points out, it specifies that the action happens rarely.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on infrequent occasions" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to express that something happens rarely. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While acceptable, simpler synonyms such as "rarely" or "occasionally" might be more suitable for informal contexts. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals the phrase is most commonly found in news, wiki, and science-related sources, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When writing, be mindful of the context to ensure the level of formality aligns with the overall tone of your piece.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on rare occasions

Direct synonym, maintaining the prepositional phrase structure but using "rare" instead of "infrequent".

infrequently

A direct adverbial form of the adjective "infrequent", offering a more concise alternative.

not often

A straightforward and simple way to express infrequency, differing in construction.

rarely

A single-word adverb that directly conveys the infrequency of an event, differing in structure from the original phrase.

seldom

Similar to "rarely" but carries a slightly more formal tone, differing in style.

occasionally

Implies something happens sometimes, but not often, simplifying the original phrase.

hardly ever

An informal expression indicating that something almost never happens, shifting the emphasis slightly.

from time to time

Indicates something happens periodically but not frequently, using a more idiomatic expression.

once in a while

An informal idiom suggesting something happens infrequently, changing the tone significantly.

sporadically

Suggests irregular and scattered occurrences, providing a different nuance of infrequency.

FAQs

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

Use "on infrequent occasions" to describe actions or events that happen rarely. For example, "On infrequent occasions, the team gathers for social events to boost morale."

What's a simpler way to say "on infrequent occasions"?

You can use alternatives like "rarely", "occasionally", or "seldom" to convey the same meaning more concisely.

Is "on infrequent occasions" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "on infrequent occasions" is generally considered more formal. In everyday conversation, phrases like "once in a while" or "not often" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "on infrequent occasions" and "on rare occasions"?

The phrase "on infrequent occasions" is very similar to "on rare occasions". They are largely interchangeable, with "rare" perhaps having a slightly stronger connotation of infrequency than "infrequent".