unique occasion

USAGE SUMMARY

"unique occasion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an event or a situation that is remarkable, unusual, or special in some way. For example, "The formal dinner was a unique occasion to celebrate our success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Nothing can equal the Rumble in the Jungle and the atmosphere of such a unique occasion.

Independent

It was a unique occasion and I said to myself that I must hoard the moments as they passed".

The New York Times

Mr. Borer's deputy in Berlin, Rene Schatti, described the inauguration as "a unique occasion to present Switzerland differently from chocolate and watches".

The New York Times

That's what it means!" Dacre claimed that the opening testimony in the Leveson inquiry had made it "an extraordinary day … a unique occasion".

The Guardian

To be sure, this is a time unlike any in our state's history, and in many ways we have a most unique occasion to govern.

The New York Times

Rugby in the USA is a sleeping giant and we are looking forward to being a part of this unique occasion as we begin to help develop the sport in America".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Hand-written letters will always exist because unique occasions require them.

Independent

One actor I discussed this with suggested the circumstances aren't the same – weddings and funerals, he pointed out, are unique occasions, whereas a play is a play is a play, just one notch on a conveyor belt of nightly performances which will be repeated over many weeks.

The Guardian - Opinion

There's nothing sweeter than anticipating unique occasions planned for the not-so-distant future.

Huffington Post

The multiday, multigenerational revelries provide unique occasions to experience the distinct cultures together with locals at their proudest and perkiest.

Huffington Post

I think that the very grandiosity of the transformation of cellular organization that accompanied eukaryogenesis suggests that it could not be anything other than a near-unique occasion (more about that below with regard to Methanosarcina).

Biology Direct

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unique occasion" when you want to emphasize that an event or situation is unlike others and holds special significance.

Common error

Avoid using "unique occasion" too frequently in your writing. While accurate, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "special event" or "rare opportunity" to add variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unique occasion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a specific event or instance, emphasizing its singular and distinct nature, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unique occasion" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that denotes a special, rare, or singular event. Ludwig confirms its appropriateness in various contexts, with a tendency towards formal and neutral registers. While versatile, varying your word choice can prevent overuse. The phrase is most frequently found in news, media, and scientific publications, highlighting its relevance in describing significant and distinctive events. Consider alternatives like "unusual occasion" or "rare opportunity" to add nuance and variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one-of-a-kind event

Highlights the unparalleled and distinctive nature of the event.

unusual occasion

Replaces "unique" with "unusual", emphasizing the rarity of the event.

uncommon event

Similar to "unusual occasion", but with slightly different word choice for emphasis.

special event

Substitutes "unique occasion" with a more general term, focusing on the event's importance.

memorable event

Emphasizes the lasting impact and significance of the occasion.

rare opportunity

Shifts focus from the event to the chance it provides, highlighting its infrequency.

singular instance

Replaces "occasion" with "instance" highlighting the single occurrence and replacing "unique" with "singular".

remarkable happening

Uses "happening" to describe the event and emphasizes its noteworthiness with "remarkable".

exceptional circumstance

Highlights the unusual nature of the situation rather than the event itself.

noteworthy celebration

Focuses on celebratory events that are particularly significant.

FAQs

What does "unique occasion" mean?

The phrase "unique occasion" refers to an event or situation that is special, rare, or unlike anything else. It emphasizes the singularity and distinctiveness of the event.

How can I use "unique occasion" in a sentence?

You can use "unique occasion" to describe events such as, "The conference was a "unique occasion" to network with industry leaders", or "The anniversary was a "unique occasion" for family to gather".

What are some alternatives to "unique occasion"?

Alternatives to "unique occasion" include "special event", "rare opportunity", or "unusual event". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "unique occasion" a formal or informal phrase?

"Unique occasion" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is more commonly found in formal writing and speech. In more casual settings, phrases like "special event" might be preferred.