it can recur

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can recur" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the possibility of something happening again, such as an event, condition, or situation. Example: "The symptoms of the illness are unpredictable, and unfortunately, it can recur at any time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Treatment usually involves little more than taking a break from the physical activity that caused the condition, after which it fades away, although it can recur.

The New York Times

It can recur years after treatment of a first melanoma, and, as seems to have happened to Mr. McCain, new melanomas can develop at any time after an original melanoma is seemingly cured.

The New York Times - Health

However, it can recur locally in any state [3].

Surgical Case Reports

However, it can recur in the post-transplant period and can lead to graft loss.

CKJ: Clinical Kidney Journal

He taught us how we get typhus, created a successful vaccine against it, and told us how it can recur as Brill-Zinsser disease.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Although thought to have no risk of metastasis, it can recur as in situ and then progress to invasive melanoma, and some data indicate that 1 cm margins may be required [ 18, 19].

Annals of Oncology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Since hernias can recur, it's best to tackle the factors that you can to reduce your chance of this ailment coming back.

WikiHow

Although headache can recur within the first week after onset, it generally does not recur regularly over subsequent weeks or months [3].

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Although it can be treated, the outbreaks often leave scars and can recur.

The New York Times

But the condition can recur up until the 12th or 14th week of pregnancy; it is not necessarily a one-off event.

The Guardian

It is noteworthy that Kuukasjarvi and colleagues [ 8] have observed that approximately 20% of ER+ primary tumors can recur with ER- metastases even in the absence of medical therapy [ 8].

Breast Cancer Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it can recur", ensure the subject "it" is clearly defined in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify the condition, event, or problem that has the potential to recur.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying heavily on "it can recur" in formal writing can make the text sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing by using synonyms like "it may reappear", or rephrase the sentence to be more direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can recur" functions as a statement of possibility, indicating that something has the potential to happen again. It follows standard English grammar rules, as affirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it can recur" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express the possibility of something happening again. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and usability. While not very common, it appears most frequently in scientific and news-related contexts. Alternative phrases such as "it may happen again" or "it could come back" can be used for variety. When using "it can recur", clarity is key, ensure the subject is well-defined in your text.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it may happen again

Replaces "can" with "may", softening the certainty of recurrence.

it could come back

Uses "could" to express possibility and "come back" as a more casual synonym for recur.

it might return

Employs "might" to indicate a degree of uncertainty and "return" as a synonym for recur.

it is liable to reappear

Expresses probability of recurrence using "liable to" and "reappear".

it is prone to reoccur

Uses "prone to" to highlight a tendency for something to happen again, with "reoccur" as a variant of recur.

it has the potential to repeat

Highlights the possibility of recurrence using "has the potential to" and a more generic verb, repeat.

it is subject to recurrence

Formal alternative, using "subject to" to indicate the possibility of recurrence.

it is apt to relapse

Specifically suggests relapse, suitable when the context involves diseases or conditions.

it runs the risk of reappearing

Uses "runs the risk" to emphasize a negative potential for recurrence.

it can arise again

Substitutes "recur" with "arise again", providing a slightly different perspective on the return of something.

FAQs

How to use "it can recur" in a sentence?

Use "it can recur" to indicate that a condition, problem, or event has the potential to happen again. For example, "Even after treatment, the infection "it can recur" if preventive measures are not taken".

What can I say instead of "it can recur"?

You can use alternatives like "it may happen again", "it could come back", or "it might return" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it can recur"?

Yes, "it can recur" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe something that has the potential to happen again. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

What's the difference between "it can recur" and "it will recur"?

"It can recur" indicates a possibility, whereas "it will recur" suggests a higher degree of certainty or inevitability. The choice depends on the likelihood you want to convey.