a vacancy occurs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vacancy occurs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing the availability of a position or space that has become unoccupied. Example: "When a vacancy occurs in our department, we will notify all qualified candidates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Today I declared that I would run for the Labour party leadership when a vacancy occurs.

The Guardian - Opinion

State law says it must take place between 145 and 160 days after a vacancy occurs.

The New York Times

This proposal would require a special election to choose a new mayor in about 60 days after a vacancy occurs.

The New York Times

Now, whenever a vacancy occurs, the co-op places advertisements in its galleries and all over town.

The New York Times

Notably, this isn't how things are done when a vacancy occurs in one of the council's eight ward seats.

The Washington Post

It has become the opening salvo in the battle over the next Supreme Court nomination -- even before a vacancy occurs.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

And even if that does not work out, she is expected to receive a seat on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, should a vacancy occur.

The New York Times

Late in 1955, a vacancy occurred at Compass, and Nichols, in Philadelphia, was asked by Shepherd to come to Chicago and fill it.

The New Yorker

Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term of a predecessor shall be appointed only for the remainder of such term.

Cornell University

He said that in some areas of the state "if a vacancy occurred, you would have lawyers lining up for Supreme Court at the current salary".

The New York Times

By the first year of his second term, it took Mr. Bush an average of 276 days to nominate a judge once a vacancy occurred; for Mr. Obama, it has taken an average of 391 days from vacancy to nomination.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a vacancy occurs" in formal writing when describing a situation where a position or role becomes unoccupied. This phrase is suitable for official announcements, legal documents, and academic papers.

Common error

Avoid using "a vacancy occurs" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "an opening" or "a spot is available" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vacancy occurs" functions as a declarative statement, indicating that a position or space has become available. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase commonly introduces the process or actions that follow the creation of a vacancy.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

40%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a vacancy occurs" is a grammatically correct and understandable expression used to indicate that a position or role has become available. Ludwig AI confirms that it is suitable for formal contexts like news reports, legal documents, and academic papers. While alternatives exist, such as "a position becomes available" or "an opening arises", "a vacancy occurs" maintains a professional tone. It's less common in informal settings, where simpler phrases are preferred. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Academic sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a position becomes available

Replaces "vacancy" with "position" and uses "becomes available" instead of "occurs".

a position opens up

Similar to "a position becomes available" but with a slightly more casual tone.

an opening arises

Substitutes "vacancy" with "opening" and "occurs" with "arises", creating a more informal tone.

a role is available

Focuses on the availability of a "role" rather than the vacancy itself.

a post falls vacant

Replaces "vacancy" with "post" and "occurs" with "falls vacant", common in British English.

a seat is vacated

Suitable for formal contexts, such as political or academic settings.

a slot becomes empty

Uses "slot" to refer to a position and "becomes empty" to indicate it is unfilled.

a space becomes unoccupied

Replaces "vacancy" with "space" and indicates a lack of occupancy.

a chance arises

Shifts the focus to the emergence of an opportunity.

an opportunity presents itself

Emphasizes the emergence of a favorable circumstance.

FAQs

How can I use "a vacancy occurs" in a sentence?

You can use "a vacancy occurs" to describe when a position, role, or seat becomes available, such as: "When "a vacancy occurs" on the board, a special election is held."

What are some alternatives to "a vacancy occurs"?

Alternatives include "a position becomes available", "an opening arises", or "a post falls vacant" (especially in British English).

Is it better to say "a vacancy occurs" or "a vacancy arises"?

"A vacancy occurs" is more formal and neutral, while "a vacancy arises" implies the vacancy is a consequence of a particular situation. The best choice depends on the context.

Can "a vacancy occurs" be used in both formal and informal settings?

While grammatically correct, "a vacancy occurs" is generally better suited for formal contexts. In informal settings, consider using alternatives like "a position opens up" or "a job becomes available".