occasion

The word "occasion" is used when describing a special event or time.

• A wedding is a special occasion.
• We’re saving a bottle of champagne for the right occasion.
• It looks like they’re having a party. What’s the occasion?
• The death of a local or national leader is an occasion marked by an American flag at half mast.
• On several different occasions, I’ve needed to access files on my computer from a remote location. Now I just use Google Drive.

The adjective form of this word is "occasional." It’s similar to the word "sometimes." (Listen to me talk about the pronunciation of this word.)

• Tom makes an occasional appearance at city council meetings because he’s a business leader.
• Sandra has an occasional need for a babysitter if she’s busy at work.
• The house down the street receives an occasional visit from the police because of domestic problems.
• Occasional flooding in an area near the river has caused many residents to move away.

Use the word "occasionally" as an adverb.

• Lena’s parents occasionally visit her on the weekends.
• Jim’s PC occasionally breaks down, so he’s thinking about buying a new iMac.
• We occasionally go to the ballpark to watch a baseball game.
• Occasionally I go golfing with my friends.

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This page was first published on March 10, 2013. It was updated on February 12, 2017.