can occur

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can occur" is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you are making a statement about something that is possible or likely to happen. For example: "Seasonal storms can occur in the area during the summer months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

can occur.

Expert Systems with Applications

Glitches can occur.

The New York Times - Tech

"Death can occur.

The Guardian

— those conversations can occur.

The New York Times

Epiphanies can occur (see cycling).

The New York Times - Sports

But rare complications can occur.

The New York Times - Health

This death can occur in many ways.

The New Yorker

So trichromacy can occur in these animals.

The Economist

But they can occur in other ways".

The New Yorker

Secondary emission also can occur in insulators.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This derivation can occur in two ways.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can occur" to indicate a possibility without implying certainty. It's suitable for describing potential events, risks, or outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "can occur" repetitively in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "may happen", "could arise", or "is possible" to maintain reader engagement and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can occur" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or potential. According to Ludwig, it indicates that something is capable of happening but not necessarily certain. It's frequently used to describe potential events, conditions, or outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

13%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Science

18%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can occur" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to denote possibility or potential. Evidenced by its frequent appearance in diverse sources—including news outlets, encyclopedias, and academic publications—it maintains a neutral register suitable for a wide array of audiences. As Ludwig highlights, the expression serves to inform or warn about potential events, enabling audiences to anticipate likely scenarios. Remember to avoid overuse by employing synonyms such as "may happen" or "could arise" to enhance writing clarity and reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may happen

This alternative directly replaces "can occur" with "may happen", emphasizing the possibility of an event taking place.

is possible

This phrase directly states the possibility of an event or situation.

might arise

This suggests that something could emerge or come into existence, often unexpectedly.

could take place

This alternative indicates that something is able to happen or is planned to happen.

is able to happen

Emphasizes the capacity or ability for something to occur.

is liable to happen

This suggests a higher probability of something occurring, implying a tendency or predisposition.

has the potential to occur

This emphasizes the inherent possibility or capacity for something to happen.

is apt to happen

This indicates a natural tendency or likelihood for something to occur.

is subject to occur

This suggests that something is vulnerable or exposed to the possibility of happening, often implying a negative outcome.

could befall

This alternative evokes a sense of something negative or unfortunate happening, often unexpectedly.

FAQs

How to use "can occur" in a sentence?

The phrase "can occur" indicates something is possible. For instance, "Errors "can occur" during the process" suggests errors are a potential, but not certain, outcome.

What can I say instead of "can occur"?

You can use alternatives like "may happen", "could arise", or "is possible" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "can occur" or "could occur"?

Both "can occur" and "could occur" are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different nuances. "Can occur" generally indicates a present possibility, while "could occur" often suggests a future or hypothetical possibility.

What's the difference between "can occur" and "will occur"?

"Can occur" indicates a possibility, while "will occur" expresses certainty. For example, "Damage "can occur" if the device is misused" suggests potential damage, whereas "Damage "will occur" if the device is misused" asserts damage is inevitable under those conditions.