What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
occasional
Example
I only have an occasional drink with dinner. [occasional: adjective]
Example
She visits her grandparents occasionally. [occasionally: adverb]
periodic
Example
The company conducts periodic performance reviews. [periodic: adjective]
Example
The flowers bloom periodically throughout the year. [periodically: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Occasional is more commonly used in everyday language, while periodic is more commonly used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between occasional and periodic?
Periodic is generally considered more formal than occasional, as it is often used in technical or scientific contexts.
