special occasions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "special occasions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to events or moments that are significant or celebrated, such as holidays, anniversaries, or milestones. Example: "We only bring out the fine china for special occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Special occasions are considered.

The New Yorker

"Cake is for special occasions".

The New York Times - Magazine

Prayers for special occasions.

Stanford University

Special occasions are considered..

The New Yorker

Ladies, save your stilettos for special occasions.

The New York Times

Dining out was limited to special occasions.

The New York Times

"Now it is only on special occasions".

The Economist

For special occasions, we make rice pudding".

The New Yorker

I only wear them on special occasions".

The New Yorker

Now Dolphina performs only on special occasions.

The New York Times

Mother's Day, Father'sDay, Easter, and Special Occasions.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the specific type of "special occasions" you're referring to. Are they personal celebrations, formal events, or cultural holidays? Tailoring your language to the specific context will enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "special occasions" as a catch-all phrase for any event. Be specific about what makes the occasion special to provide more meaningful context for your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "special occasions" typically functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition (e.g., 'for special occasions') or as an adverbial modifier, indicating when something occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

32%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "special occasions" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to refer to significant or celebrated events. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples from reputable sources such as The New York Times and The New Yorker. It functions as a noun phrase and is versatile across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general conversation. While generally neutral in register, it is important to use specific language to provide meaningful context. Consider alternatives like "significant events" or "celebrated events" to add nuance. Overall, "special occasions" is a reliable and effective phrase for denoting important times and events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant events

Replaces 'special' with 'significant', emphasizing the importance of the events.

celebrated events

Focuses on the celebratory aspect, highlighting events that are commemorated.

festive occasions

Adds a sense of festivity and joyousness to the occasions.

red-letter days

An idiomatic expression referring to memorable or important days.

milestone events

Emphasizes the achievement or progress marked by the events.

notable celebrations

Highlights the noteworthiness of the celebrations.

important dates

Simplifies the phrase to refer to key dates or anniversaries.

ceremonial events

Refers to occasions marked by formal ceremonies.

unique experiences

Shifts focus to the rarity and memorability of the events.

memorable moments

Emphasizes the lasting impact and recall value of the occasions.

FAQs

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

You can use "special occasions" to describe events that are significant or celebrated. For example: "We reserve our best tableware for "special occasions"."

What are some alternatives to "special occasions"?

Alternatives include "significant events", "celebrated events", or "festive occasions", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "very special occasions"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "very special occasions" can be redundant. The word "special" already implies a degree of uniqueness and importance. Consider using a more descriptive adjective if you want to emphasize the occasion's significance further.

What's the difference between "special occasions" and "particular occasions"?

"Special occasions" refers to events that are significant and celebrated, while "particular occasions" simply refers to specific instances or events. "Special occasions" carries a connotation of importance and celebration.