on occasions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on occasions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something happens from time to time or occasionally, rather than regularly. Example: "On occasions, I like to treat myself to a nice dinner at my favorite restaurant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We dug in when we had to on occasions.

BBC

On occasions, I'll cook.

Independent

She would, on occasions, be violent.

Independent

On occasions, her language is too fanciful.

The Economist

On occasions, the same film repeatedly.

The Guardian - Travel

On occasions the production became overly strident.

The Guardian - Books

On occasions we have used Mr Smith, just as on occasions I've used several people.

The Guardian

Yet on occasions Mr Lamy will signal his unhappiness.

The Economist

We've been incredibly close on occasions and recorded fantastic times.

The Guardian - Sport

On occasions, however, this patient demeanour is tested.

The Guardian - Sport

On occasions, open spots could quickly become running sores.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on occasions" to add variety to your writing when you want to express something that happens sporadically. Avoid overuse, as simpler alternatives like "sometimes" may be more direct.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "on occasions" can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for more natural alternatives like "sometimes", "occasionally", or "now and then" to maintain a conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on occasions" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate frequency or timing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies that something happens from time to time, but not regularly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

32%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "on occasions" is used to express that something happens sometimes but not regularly. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While versatile, it's slightly more formal than alternatives like "sometimes" or "occasionally". It appears frequently in news and media, and science, making it a common expression but remember to check for more colloquial options when writing in less formal registers. Consider these key aspects when incorporating it into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sometimes

This alternative is more direct and commonly used.

occasionally

This alternative is a single word synonym.

from time to time

This alternative is a more descriptive and slightly more formal.

now and then

This alternative conveys a sense of infrequent occurrence.

at times

This alternative emphasizes specific instances.

every so often

This alternative suggests a slightly unpredictable frequency.

once in a while

This alternative implies less frequency.

on certain occasions

This alternative is more emphatic and highlights specific instances.

at intervals

This alternative suggests something happens with periods of separation.

periodically

This alternative suggests recurrence at specific time intervals

FAQs

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

You can use "on occasions" to indicate something happens from time to time. For example, "On occasions, I enjoy going for a walk in the park."

What can I say instead of "on occasions"?

You can use alternatives like "sometimes", "occasionally", or "from time to time" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "on occasions" or "sometimes"?

Both "on occasions" and "sometimes" are correct, but "sometimes" is generally more common and less formal. The choice depends on the desired tone and context of your writing.

What's the difference between "on occasions" and "on occasion"?

"On occasion" refers to a single instance, while "on occasions" refers to multiple instances. For example, "On occasion, I treat myself to ice cream", versus "On occasions, I visit my family."