Occasionally: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'occasionally' to indicate something that happens from time to time, but not regularly. It's often used for neutral or positive situations.

• I occasionally go for a walk in the park.
• She visits us occasionally.

'Sometimes' indicates something that happens occasionally but not consistently. It can be used in a wide variety of contexts.

• Sometimes I read books before bed.
• He sometimes forgets his keys.

'Infrequently' suggests that something occurs rarely and is less common. It is often used in more formal contexts.

• The bus service runs infrequently on weekends.
• He infrequently checks his email.

Use 'now and then' in casual or conversational speech to describe something that happens at irregular intervals but not often.

• I like to bake cookies now and then.
• She writes letters to her old friends now and then.

Use this word when describing something that happens from time to time without a regular pattern. It's often used in casual conversations.

• He occasionally goes to the gym
• She occasionally eats out at fancy restaurants

Use this term to describe something that happens at regular, predictable intervals, such as daily, weekly, or monthly.

• The company conducts safety trainings periodically
• I visit my hometown periodically

This word is best used when describing something that starts and stops at irregular intervals. It carries a slightly technical or formal tone.

• The internet connection works intermittently
• The pain comes and goes intermittently

Best used for events that occur randomly and infrequently without any predictable pattern. It can sometimes imply a sense of unpredictability or rarity.

• He checks his email sporadically
• Wildlife sightings occur sporadically in the region