occasionaly

Occasionaly is a common misspelling of the adverb occasionally. It is not recognized as a standard form in major English dictionaries. The correct spelling is occasionally, with the sequence occa- s-ion-al-ly, reflecting its origin from the base adjective occasional.

Occasionally means “at times; now and then; not regularly” and is used to describe actions or events that do not occur with consistent frequency. It is typically placed before the verb it modifies, as in “I visit occasionally,” but can also appear before a clause or phrase in more formal writing. It is not interchangeable with every synonym for infrequency; its sense is closer to intermittent or sporadic.

Etymology and formation: the adverb is derived from the adjective occasional, which itself traces to Latin oc- casio and Old French sources related to opportunity or a fitting time. The adverbial suffix -ly yields occasionally, and the double consonants align with the base spelling of occasional.

Usage notes: occasionally is appropriate in both neutral and somewhat cautious tones. It contrasts with regularly, frequently, or constantly, signaling irregular or non-constant occurrence. In more precise contexts, writers may substitute intermittently, sporadically, or from time to time to convey subtle shades of meaning.

Common errors: the main issue is dropping one of the two l’s before the -y or simplifying the word to occasionaly or occassionally. Correct usage favors occasionally in nearly all formal and standard prose.

See also: frequency adverbs, intermittently, sporadically, from time to time.