occasions
B1Formal to Neutral (in the noun sense of 'events'). The verb sense is formal/archaic.
Definition
Meaning
Specific times when something happens; particular events or instances.
Can refer to special or important events (e.g., weddings, celebrations), opportunities for action, or reasons/causes for something (formal, as in 'to occasion anxiety').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a plural noun, it typically refers to multiple distinct events. The singular 'occasion' can mean a particular time or event, or a reason (formal). The verb 'to occasion' (to cause) is now rare in everyday speech.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is nearly identical. British English may be slightly more likely to use the noun in formal phrasing like 'on numerous occasions'. The verb 'to occasion' is archaic in both, perhaps lingering slightly more in formal BrE.
Connotations
Plural 'occasions' often implies formality, ceremony, or special events ('special occasions'). 'On occasion' (singular) is a set phrase meaning 'sometimes'.
Frequency
Similar high frequency in both. Core noun usage is common; derived uses (verb) are low frequency.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N (plural subject) + occur on + occasionsOn + occasions + (when-clause)have occasion to + VERB (formal)occasion + NOUN (cause, formal verb)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on occasion”
- “rise to the occasion”
- “on the occasion of”
- “equal to the occasion”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in formal reports: 'On several occasions, delivery was delayed.' Also in event planning: 'corporate occasions'.
Academic
Used to discuss frequency or specific instances in historical or social analysis: 'The treaty was violated on multiple occasions.'
Everyday
Common for social events: 'We buy champagne for special occasions.' Also: 'I've seen him on a few occasions.'
Technical
Not commonly technical. May appear in legal/formal contexts denoting specific instances.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The remark occasioned considerable offence.
- The flood occasioned a review of safety procedures.
American English
- The scandal occasioned his resignation.
- The delay occasioned extra costs.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We wear nice clothes on special occasions.
- I have been to London on two occasions.
- On several occasions, he arrived late to the meeting.
- Birthdays and anniversaries are happy occasions.
- The diplomat's gaffe occasioned a formal apology from the government.
- She has been known to rise to the occasion in a crisis.
- The research was flawed on numerous occasions, calling its conclusions into question.
- His inflammatory speech occasioned widespread civil unrest.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a special CAKE being made for different OCCA-SIONS. The word has 'CAKE' hidden in it (occAsions).
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A CONTAINER FOR EVENTS ('on that occasion'); IMPORTANT EVENTS ARE ELEVATED ('special occasions', 'rise to the occasion').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly translating Russian 'случай' (chance/instance) for all uses. 'Occasion' implies a *concrete* event/time, not abstract 'случай'. 'Special occasion' is not 'особый случай' but 'особое событие/торжество'. 'On occasion' = 'иногда', not 'на случае'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'much occasions' instead of 'many occasions').
- Confusing 'occasion' with 'opportunity' (an occasion is a time; an opportunity is a chance).
- Overusing the verb 'to occasion' in modern speech.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'occasion' CORRECTLY as a verb?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the singular 'occasion' is very common (e.g., 'on that occasion', 'a special occasion'). The plural refers to multiple specific events or times.
'Many occasions' is more formal and standard. 'A lot of occasions' is informal but common in speech. In writing, 'many' or 'numerous' is preferred.
They are often synonyms. However, 'occasion' can refer more to the *time* or *circumstance* when something happens (even if not planned), while 'event' often implies a planned gathering or happening. A chance meeting is an 'occasion' but not typically an 'event'.
No, it is quite formal and literary. In everyday language, we use 'cause', 'lead to', 'result in', or 'prompt' instead.