on several occasions

USAGE SUMMARY

"on several occasions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to multiple times something happened. For example: I have seen John on several occasions; he seems like a nice person.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(This was evident on several occasions).

The New York Times

Enjoyed her company on several occasions.

Independent

On several occasions Daumier painted historical subjects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I heard this myself on several occasions.

The New York Times

I am called "dear" on several occasions.

Independent

He smiled on several occasions.

The New York Times

He tried on several occasions.

The New York Times - Style

On several occasions, his sermons caused riots.

The Washington Post

On several occasions, said objects connected".

The New York Times

"Neil battled through adversity on several occasions.

The Guardian - Sport

I got ill on several occasions.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When precision is important, consider using a more specific phrase, such as "three times" or "a few times", instead of "on several occasions".

Common error

While "on several occasions" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a few times" or "sometimes" when speaking with friends or family.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on several occasions" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the frequency or timing of an action. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

27%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on several occasions" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate that something has happened more than once. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. While appropriate for formal and neutral registers, simpler alternatives may be preferred in casual settings. When clarity is key, consider specifying the exact number of occurrences instead of relying on the general term "on several occasions".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on multiple occasions

A very close synonym, highlighting that the number of occasions is more than one.

in several instances

Replaces "occasions" with "instances", keeping a formal tone and similar meaning.

more than once

A direct alternative that emphasizes the plurality of instances.

on numerous instances

Emphasizes the large number of occurrences, making the quantity more prominent.

repeatedly

Focuses on the repetitive nature of the event, omitting the number of instances.

frequently

Highlights the high frequency of the occurrences, without specifying the exact number of instances.

a few times

Specifies a small number of occurrences, providing a less formal alternative.

time after time

Emphasizes the continuous and repeated nature of the events, often suggesting persistence.

at times

Indicates that something happens sometimes, differing from the emphasis on multiple instances.

from time to time

Suggests irregular intervals between occurrences, shifting focus from the quantity to the sporadic nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "on several occasions" to indicate that something has happened more than once. For example: "I have met him "on several occasions" at the library".

What are some alternatives to "on several occasions"?

Some alternatives include "repeatedly", "frequently", "a few times", or "more than once", depending on the context.

Is "on several occasions" formal or informal?

"On several occasions" is generally considered a formal phrase. In informal contexts, phrases like "a few times" or "sometimes" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "on several occasions" and "on numerous occasions"?

"On numerous occasions" implies a higher frequency or a greater number of instances compared to ""on several occasions"". "Numerous" suggests many, while "several" simply means more than two or three.