be occurring

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be occurring" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to describe an ongoing action or event that is happening at the moment or in a general sense. Example: "The changes in climate patterns seem to be occurring more frequently than in previous decades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Will moshing be occurring at some point?

The New York Times

Could this be occurring again?

The New York Times - Magazine

Events appear to be occurring in darkness.

The New Yorker

It just happens to be occurring underground".

The New York Times

"Some of it seems to be occurring".

The New York Times

And that's what seems to be occurring".

The New York Times

Indeed, those may already be occurring.

The Washington Post

A generational shift may now be occurring.

The Guardian - Books

A particularly painful example may be occurring right now.

The New York Times

And the researchers said it might still be occurring.

The New York Times

"It's sad … it really shouldn't be occurring," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be occurring" to describe events or processes that are currently in progress, especially in formal or scientific contexts. For example: "Climate change effects seem to "be occurring" more rapidly than predicted."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "be occurring" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "be happening" or "be going on" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be occurring" functions as a continuous aspect of the verb 'occur', indicating an action or event that is currently in progress or habitually taking place. Ludwig provides examples showing it in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

32%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be occurring" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe ongoing events or processes. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage across various contexts. It's most common in news, scientific, and academic writing, suggesting a formal or neutral register. While versatile, simpler alternatives like "be happening" may be preferable in casual conversation. Remember to consider your audience and the desired tone when choosing between "be occurring" and its synonyms. The best practice is to use it when describing events currently in progress or in situations where a more formal tone is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be happening

This is a direct and simple substitute, suitable for most contexts where "be occurring" is used. It's slightly less formal.

be in progress

This alternative is a straightforward and common way to indicate that something is currently taking place.

be taking place

This alternative emphasizes the location or setting of the event. It's slightly more formal than "be happening".

be underway

This emphasizes that something has already started and is in progress.

be transpiring

This option is more formal and suggests a gradual or unfolding process. It adds a layer of sophistication.

be going on

This option is more informal and conversational, suitable for casual contexts.

be unfolding

This phrase suggests a gradual revelation or development of events. It's less about the event itself and more about its progression.

be developing

This implies a process of growth or evolution, where the event is changing over time.

be coming to pass

This carries a slightly archaic or literary tone, implying a sense of inevitability or destiny.

be materializing

This implies something that was previously conceptual is now becoming real or visible.

FAQs

What is a simple way to say "be occurring"?

A simpler alternative to "be occurring" is "be happening", which is suitable for most informal contexts.

How does "be occurring" differ from "be taking place"?

"Be occurring" generally refers to an event happening, while "be taking place" often emphasizes the location or setting where the event is happening. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the event itself or its context.

Is "be occurring" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "be occurring" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic, scientific, or professional contexts where a more precise and sophisticated tone is desired. However, always consider your audience.

What are some synonyms for "be occurring" that aren't too formal?

Besides "be happening", you can use "be going on" for less formal situations. Both convey the idea of something taking place without sounding overly stiff.