it could occur

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it could occur" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the possibility of an event happening in the future. Example: "Given the current circumstances, it could occur that we need to adjust our plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Alternatively, it could occur through H3K9me3 and its recognition by heterochromatin protein 1 (HproteinseinSchottatta et al, 2004; Benetti et al, 2007).

EMBO Reports

I have heard it could occur.

Cornell University

That is despite even Davidson questioning how it could occur.

The Guardian

This usually occurs in childhood or young adulthood, although it could occur at any age.

Columbia University

It could occur in a home where children are threatened and beaten.

The New York Times

There's a breakout season coming, and it could occur this year.

The New York Times

No date or place for the session has yet been established, but it could occur this summer.

The New York Times

The exact timing of Mr. Brown's installation remains uncertain, though officials of both parties said it could occur next week.

The New York Times

Scientists are already seeing changes to the ice sheet that suggest that it could occur at temperatures not much higher than today's.

The New Yorker

"Litigation is always that is something that creates high emotions on both sides, but we hadn't had any reason to possibly think it could occur here".

The New York Times

Still, county officials said Monday that they had been racing since last week to find the cause of the problem and determine if it could occur elsewhere.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing likelihood use modal adverbs like 'possibly', 'potentially', or 'conceivably' to modulate your degree of certainty. For example: 'It could possibly occur'.

Common error

While "it could occur" is grammatically correct, it may sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for more natural alternatives like "it might happen" or "it's possible" to maintain a conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it could occur" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or potential. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and widely used. It combines the subject "it" with the modal verb "could" and the main verb "occur" to convey that something might happen.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

38%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0.02%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it could occur" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express possibility. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's prevalent in formal contexts like science, news, and academic writing, offering a nuanced way to discuss potential events without asserting certainty. While effective, it's important to consider the context and audience, opting for more casual alternatives like "it might happen" in informal settings. Understanding its function, purpose, and register ensures accurate and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is possible

This alternative is a more direct and concise way of expressing possibility.

it might happen

This phrase uses "might" instead of "could", suggesting a slightly lower probability.

it may arise

This alternative implies a gradual emergence or development of something.

it is conceivable

This phrase suggests that something is within the realm of possibility or imagination.

it is liable to happen

This indicates a higher likelihood of occurrence, often with negative connotations.

it is apt to happen

Similar to "liable to happen", but with a slightly more neutral connotation.

it is not out of the question

This alternative suggests that something is possible, even if unlikely.

it stands a chance

This implies that something has a reasonable probability of success or happening.

it is within the realm of possibility

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing that something is possible.

the potential exists

This focuses on the existence of potential for something to happen, rather than directly stating it.

FAQs

How can I use "it could occur" in a sentence?

"It could occur" is used to express a possibility or potential event. For example, "Given the right conditions, it could occur that the experiment yields unexpected results."

What are some alternatives to "it could occur"?

You can use phrases like "it is possible", "it might happen", or "it may arise" as alternatives to "it could occur", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "it could occur" formal or informal?

"It could occur" is generally considered a neutral to formal expression. It's appropriate for academic writing, news reports, and professional communication, but might sound overly formal in casual conversation.

What is the difference between "it could occur" and "it will occur"?

"It could occur" indicates a possibility, while "it will occur" expresses certainty. "It could occur" suggests the event is not guaranteed, whereas "it will occur" means the event is expected to happen.