Cool MateFrequent vs Occasional
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Frequent | Occasional | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Something that happens often. | happening sometimes but not often |
| CEFR level | B2 | C1 |
| Part of speech | adjective | adjective |
| Usage notes | Use 'frequent' to describe events or actions that occur regularly. It's suitable in both formal and informal contexts. | Use 'occasional' to describe something that happens at irregular intervals. It is appropriate in both spoken and written contexts but is more common in written language than casual conversation. |
Frequently asked questions: Frequent vs Occasional
What's the difference between "Frequent" and "Occasional"?
"Frequent" means: Something that happens often. "Occasional" means: happening sometimes but not often
When should I use "Frequent" and "Occasional"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Frequent" and "Occasional" the same CEFR level?
"Frequent" is at B2, "Occasional" is at C1 on the CEFR scale.