Sign In Get Started
Fixed expressions

On occasion or of occasion

On occasion is a standard English expression meaning sometimes. Of occasion is not a normal modern English combination.

Quick answer

Which phrase is correct?

Use on occasion to mean sometimes or occasionally. Of occasion is not standard in modern English except in rare historical or literary uses.

We on occasion work late.
She visits her hometown on occasion.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
on occasion

Meaning sometimes

On occasion means from time to time.

The manager on occasion joins the support team.
2
on the occasion of + event

Referring to a special event

This formal expression introduces a particular event or celebration.

A speech was given on the occasion of the anniversary.
3
occasion for + noun

Showing a reason or opportunity

Occasion for introduces a cause or suitable moment.

The victory was an occasion for celebration.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
on occasion
I drink coffee on occasion.
sometimes
of occasion
The phrase of occasion is not standard in modern English.
generally considered incorrect or archaic
on the occasion of
They met on the occasion of the festival.
during or because of a special event
occasion for
The announcement was an occasion for debate.
a reason or opportunity

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using of occasion instead of on occasion

Modern English uses on occasion.

✕ We travel of occasion. ✓ We travel on occasion.

Confusing occasion and opportunity

Occasion often refers to a time or event, not simply a chance.

✓ The wedding was a joyful occasion.

Omitting the after on

Use on the occasion of in formal expressions.

✕ On occasion of his retirement, they held a dinner. ✓ On the occasion of his retirement, they held a dinner.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. I eat dessert only ___ occasion.
2. The ceremony was held on the occasion ___ the opening.
3. The phrase of occasion is generally ___.

Check your sentence in context

Paste the complete sentence below. Linguix checks the preposition together with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.

Free to try · No signup required

Frequently asked questions

What does on occasion mean?

It means sometimes or from time to time.

Is of occasion ever correct?

It is extremely rare and not used in standard modern English.

Can occasion be followed by for?

Yes. Occasion for means a reason or suitable opportunity.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

Write with confidence in Linguix

Create a free account to check complete texts, apply suggestions, and save your documents.

Create a free account