on occasion

USAGE SUMMARY

"on occasion" is a valid and widely used phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that something happens occasionally or from time to time, but not always. Example: I like to treat myself to a nice dinner on occasion.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On occasion.

The New York Times - Magazine

I sleep on occasion.

The New York Times

On occasion, they were.

The Economist

On occasion it is.

The New York Times

On occasion, Hollywood beckoned.

The New York Times

Barack Obama, on occasion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We play it on occasion.

The New York Times

On occasion, Saban offered advice.

The New Yorker

On occasion, the menu misfires.

The New York Times

Persistence, however, on occasion triumphs.

The New York Times

On occasion, he even smiles.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on occasion" to add variety to your writing, instead of overusing words like "sometimes" or "occasionally". It offers a slightly more formal tone.

Common error

While "on occasion" is versatile, avoid using it in extremely informal or colloquial conversations. Simpler alternatives like "sometimes" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on occasion" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate frequency. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it specifies that something happens sometimes or from time to time. Examples show it qualifying actions like 'sleep', 'smile', or 'misfire'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Encyclopedias

11%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on occasion" serves as an adverbial phrase indicating that something happens sometimes, but not regularly. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. Predominantly found in neutral contexts like news and media, it adds a touch of formality compared to "sometimes". Alternatives include "from time to time" and "occasionally". While grammatically correct, avoid overuse in overly informal settings. Remember, this versatile phrase offers a nuanced way to express irregular occurrences in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

occasionally

A direct synonym that is slightly more formal.

from time to time

Indicates a recurring but infrequent action, similar to "on occasion" but with more emphasis on repetition.

at times

Implies that something happens periodically, but doesn't specify frequency.

now and then

Suggests less frequency than "on occasion".

once in a while

Emphasizes the infrequency of an event.

every so often

Suggests an irregular but noticeable occurrence.

at intervals

Highlights that occurrences are separated by periods of time.

sometimes

A general term that doesn't specify frequency.

periodically

More formal and suggests a scheduled or patterned recurrence.

in some instances

Highlights the individual occurrences rather than the frequency.

FAQs

How can I use "on occasion" in a sentence?

"On occasion" is an adverbial phrase that indicates something happens sometimes but not regularly. For example, "I enjoy going to the theatre "on occasion"".

What phrases are similar to "on occasion"?

Alternatives to "on occasion" include "from time to time", "occasionally", and "at times". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it more formal to say "on occasion" or "sometimes"?

"On occasion" generally carries a slightly more formal tone than "sometimes". Use "on occasion" in professional or academic writing where a more elevated style is appropriate.

What is the difference between "on occasion" and "in some instances"?

"On occasion" emphasizes the frequency (or infrequency) of an event, while "in some instances" highlights specific occurrences. For example, "On occasion, I travel for work" versus "In some instances, travel expenses are reimbursed".