Adverbs / Collocations – Choose the option that BEST expresses the meaning of the highlighted phrase. Sentence: He visits the doctor off and on.

Introduction / Context:
“Off and on” (also “on and off”) is a time-frequency adverbial meaning “occasionally” or “intermittently,” with gaps between occurrences. In healthcare contexts, it suggests sporadic checkups rather than a fixed schedule, which can matter for chronic conditions or follow-ups.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target phrase: off and on.
• Domain: visiting a doctor.
• Required: closest frequency adverb in standard usage.

Concept / Approach:
Frequency adverbs carry distinct profiles: “regularly” implies a steady schedule, “everyday” (every day) implies daily frequency, and “occasionally” implies sporadic occurrence. “Never at all” contradicts the act of visiting. Therefore, the only accurate mapping is “occasionally.”

Step-by-Step Solution:
Recognize idiom: off and on = intermittently.Eliminate options tied to steady or extreme frequencies (every day / never).Match with the neutral, sporadic frequency “occasionally.”Confirm that the paraphrase preserves the intended meaning.

Verification / Alternative check:
Paraphrase: “He visits the doctor occasionally.” This is idiomatic and exact.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• everyday: means daily; far too frequent.
• regularly: implies consistency, which “off and on” lacks.
• never at all: contradicts “visits.”

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing “everyday” (adjective meaning ordinary) with “every day” (adverbial time expression); here either way would be incorrect for “off and on.”

Final Answer:
occasionally