What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sporadically
Example
He only visits sporadically, so we never know when he'll show up. [sporadically: adverb]
Example
The flowers bloom sporadically throughout the year, rather than all at once. [sporadically: adverb]
occasionally
Example
I occasionally go to the movies on weekends. [occasionally: adverb]
Example
She only eats meat occasionally, as she mostly follows a vegetarian diet. [occasionally: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Occasionally is more commonly used than sporadically in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sporadically and occasionally?
Both sporadically and occasionally are relatively formal words, but occasionally is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
