What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sporadic
Example
The company experienced sporadic sales throughout the year. [sporadic: adjective]
Example
She made sporadic attempts to learn a new language. [sporadic: adjective]
occasional
Example
I enjoy an occasional glass of wine with dinner. [occasional: adjective]
Example
He works as an occasional consultant for the company. [occasional: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Occasional is more commonly used than sporadic in everyday language. Occasional is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sporadic is less common and may have a negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sporadic and occasional?
Both sporadic and occasional can be used in formal and informal contexts, but sporadic may be perceived as more formal due to its less frequent usage in everyday language.
