on what occasions

USAGE SUMMARY

"on what occasions" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is used to ask about specific occasions on which a certain event or action occurs. For example, you could ask: "What occasions are you available to meet for coffee next week?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The first pair of long-leg/short-leg trousers to hit the catwalk seemed like a novel exercise in a playing-with-proportion kind of way, but similar pieces -- including a short/skort combination and a long-pant/black skirt split take only made one wonder all the more on what occasions such garments might practically be worn.  .

Los Angeles Times

On what occasions is the art employed?

The New York Times - Arts

On what occasions are you willing to let your conscience slide?

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's about how consumers are using cameras, and on what occasions.

The Guardian - Arts

Scientific explanations are also predictions: "why?" also means "on what occasions?" But is this a historical explanation?

Encyclopedia Britannica

All these clothes were appealing, and Mr. Mispelaere has refreshed the DVF prints, but I kept wondering: On what occasions can you be right and yet wrong?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

People know exactly what to give on what occasion, and how much the gift should cost.

The New York Times

"How many horses and on what occasion?

The Guardian - Sport

Who made these remonstrances, and on what occasion?

Yale University

On what occasion do you think you looked your best?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

On what occasion did Iraq attack the United States?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on what occasions" when you need to know the specific instances or events during which something happens, especially when a degree of formality is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "on what occasions" when you mean "on what opportunities". "Occasions" refer to specific events, while "opportunities" refer to favorable circumstances. For example, say "On what occasions do you wear a tuxedo?" not "On what occasions do you seize opportunities?".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on what occasions" functions as an interrogative prepositional phrase. It introduces a question that seeks to identify the specific events, instances, or circumstances during which a particular action or event takes place, similar to examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on what occasions" is a grammatically sound and functionally precise interrogative phrase used to inquire about the specific events or instances when something happens. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts. While not exceedingly common, it finds frequent application in news, academic and scientific discourse. When aiming for clarity in formal communication, "on what occasions" stands as a reliable choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on what instances

Mirrors the structure of the original phrase, but uses "instances" instead of "occasions".

in what instances

Highlights specific examples or occurrences of something.

under what circumstances

Emphasizes the conditions or situations that lead to an event.

in which situations

Highlights particular situations or scenarios.

when does it happen

Focuses on the timing of the event, rather than the specific occasion.

for what events

Highlights particular happenings or events.

during which times

Focuses on specific periods when something occurs.

at what moments

Emphasizes precise points in time.

when is it appropriate

Focuses on suitability and context rather than specific instances.

when is it suitable

Focuses on the suitability of an action with less emphasis on the instance itself.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "on what occasions" to sound more informal?

For a more casual tone, you could use phrases like "when", "when is it", or "what time" depending on the context. For example, instead of "On what occasions do you drink champagne?", you could ask "When do you drink champagne?".

Is it correct to use "in what occasions" instead of "on what occasions"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "occasions" in this context is "on". "In what occasions" is not standard English.

What is the difference between "on what occasions" and "under what circumstances"?

"On what occasions" refers to specific events or instances, while "under what circumstances" refers to the conditions or situations in which something happens. "On what occasions do you wear a suit?" asks about specific events, while "Under what circumstances would you refuse a promotion?" asks about the conditions that would lead to that decision.

Can I use "on what occasions" in formal writing?

Yes, "on what occasions" is suitable for formal writing. It is a grammatically correct and clear way to inquire about the specific instances in which something occurs.