on occasion
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb: At infrequent or irregular intervals; now and then; from time to time. It indicates that something happens sometimes, but not very often or regularly.
Usage
This phrase is used to describe an action or event that occurs intermittently. It is synonymous with "occasionally," "sometimes," or "now and then." It is typically placed at the beginning or end of a clause.
Examples
- We don't see each other often, but we meet for coffee on occasion.
- On occasion, he would reminisce about his travels abroad.
- The software, while generally stable, crashes on occasion.
Advanced Usage
- Formal Variation: The phrase can be used in more formal writing or speech. It is slightly more formal than "sometimes" but less formal than "intermittently."
- The committee convenes on occasion to review major policy changes.
Variants and Related Words
- Occasionally (adv.): The direct adverbial form with the same meaning.
- He writes poetry occasionally.
- Now and then / Now and again (adv. phrases): Informal equivalents.
- I like to go hiking now and then.
Synonyms
- Occasionally
- Sometimes
- Now and then
- From time to time
- Once in a while
- Periodically
Antonyms
- Frequently
- Often
- Regularly
- Constantly
- Always
Related Phrases
- Every so often: Another phrase meaning the same as "on occasion."
- Every so often, she treats herself to a spa day.
Adverb
- now and then or here and there
- he was arrogant and occasionally callous
- open areas are only occasionally interrupted by clumps of trees
- they visit New York on occasion
- now and again she would take her favorite book from the shelf and read to us
- as we drove along, the beautiful scenery now and then attracted his attention