An occasion is an event, especially a festive one: a special occasion is a celebration. It's also a particular time when something happened: on several occasions, meaning several times. It doesn't describe an odd incident: about a strange event, English speakers say What a strange thing to happen!
occasion: will you get the meaning right?
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on special occasions; on this/that occasion; on several occasions; on occasion (= sometimes)
- We only use the good plates on special occasions, like birthdays and New Year.
- I've met her on several occasions, but we've never really talked.
What changed
First versionI met my old teacher in the supermarket by occasion.
RevisionI met my old teacher in the supermarket by chance.
Occasion can look connected to chance, so by occasion seems a natural way to say “accidentally”. But occasion is a notable event or a particular time, not luck. An unexpected meeting is described with by chance.
When you mean an example or a situation, use case: in this case, a case of flu. Occasion is an event in time: on this occasion means “this time”. The fixed phrase on occasion means “sometimes”: I eat meat on occasion.
Your turn
We only open this bottle of wine on special ___.
Show the answer
occasions — The bottle is opened for celebrations, that is, special events: special occasions. Cases are situations or examples, and you can't call a celebration that.
Describe a celebration you prepared for in advance. Say what the occasion was and what you cooked or wore.
For my parents' 30th anniversary, a special occasion for our family, I cooked a three-course dinner.
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