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Following Phrase meaning: every now and then vs every once in a while, what's the difference between "occasionally" and "every once in a while" in formal writing?

E.g.:

Occasionally, I ask the audience whether the slides so far are clear.

Every once in a while, I ask the audience whether the slides so far are clear.

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  • I am not a writer, but there isn't much difference. I would say that "every once in a while" is less often and less periodic than "occasionally". You might also check "from time to time".
    – user3169
    Mar 24, 2018 at 21:55
  • I don't perceive a difference in frequency, but "every once in a while" is more colloquial and hence has slightly different connotations. For instance, I'd be more likely to use "occasionally" of a bad thing happening.
    – Stuart F
    Sep 27, 2022 at 14:32

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These are very similar. As the commenter mentioned, 'I would say that "every once in a while" is less often and less periodic than "occasionally".'

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