on some occasions

USAGE SUMMARY

"on some occasions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something happens only sometimes. For example: "On some occasions, I like to go for a jog after dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hence, this phenomenon should be adequately investigated because it may be seriously doubted on some occasions.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

I was good on some occasions.

The Guardian - Sport

Thus, framing occurred on some occasions but not on others.

Harvard University

On some occasions, a bit of cash will help.

The Economist

At least on some occasions, they buried their dead.

The New Yorker

"On some occasions, I've said yes to them".

The New York Times - Health

On some occasions they were nearly knocked down.

Independent

On some occasions, antiques of less importance were left alone.

The Guardian

But on some occasions Republican support could be useful.

The New York Times

On some occasions, he filmed himself having sex.

The Guardian

This risk was, on some occasions, life-threatening".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on some occasions" to add nuance when describing events that do not happen regularly. It's more formal than "sometimes" and can add a touch of sophistication to your writing.

Common error

While "on some occasions" is useful, avoid using it excessively in informal contexts. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural; use simpler alternatives like "sometimes" or "occasionally" where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on some occasions" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the frequency or timing of an action or event. It specifies that something happens sometimes, but not always. Ludwig provides multiple examples to confirm this use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on some occasions" is a versatile adverbial phrase that indicates an intermittent occurrence. It's grammatically correct and widely used, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While simpler alternatives exist, this phrase can add precision and sophistication to writing when describing events that do not happen regularly. Keep in mind that overusing formal alternatives can impact the natural flow of the text. With Ludwig providing examples, you can confidently use "on some occasions" to express that something happens sometimes, but not always.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sometimes

A direct synonym, implying that something happens but not consistently.

occasionally

Indicates that something happens from time to time, but not frequently.

at times

Suggests that something occurs now and then, without regularity.

from time to time

Implies irregular intervals at which something happens.

every so often

Similar to "from time to time", but may imply slightly longer intervals.

now and then

Indicates that something happens sporadically.

at certain times

Specifies that something happens during particular instances.

in some instances

Highlights that something occurs in specific cases.

under certain circumstances

Indicates that something is conditional on particular situations.

once in a while

Suggests infrequent occurrences.

FAQs

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

You can use "on some occasions" to indicate that something happens intermittently, but not always. For example: "On some occasions, I enjoy reading a book in the park."

What are some alternatives to "on some occasions"?

Alternatives include "sometimes", "occasionally", or "at times". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "on some occasion" or "on some occasions" correct?

"On some occasions" is the correct and more commonly used phrase. "On some occasion" might be grammatically correct in very specific contexts, but it is far less frequent.

What's the difference between "on some occasions" and "in some cases"?

"On some occasions" refers to specific instances or events when something happens. "In some cases" refers to situations or circumstances where something is true or applicable. While they can sometimes overlap, "on some occasions" emphasizes the timing of an event, while "in some cases" emphasizes the conditions that lead to a result.