it might recur

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it might recur" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the possibility of something happening again in the future, such as an event, symptom, or situation. Example: "After reviewing the patient's history, the doctor noted that the condition might recur if not properly managed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Some people can say, 'Yeah, it might recur, but I can't control that,' and they live their life anyway," she continued.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Therefore, it is reasonable to hypothesise that tumours expressing higher levels of PRLR might recur more frequently under the influence of local PRL exposure or exhibit a more aggressive behaviour including development of distant metastasis more frequently.

British Journal of Cancer

This may hold true for other materials, and it is therefore important to test if after EDTA treatment or nitric acid treatment Zn contamination might recur through this mechanism.

BMC Physiology

"It does seem reasonable to look for patterns in past events and try to figure out if they might recur, but in general, we don't have enough of a history to be fully confident of our success".

Vice

If so, that raises the possibility that transmission might recur in countries where officials have said the outbreak is over.

The New York Times

The case was discovered two months before the onset of the Northern Hemisphere winter, the season in which the medical community expected that the disease might recur.

The New York Times

Even the medical establishment has no idea if or when Morneau's concussion symptoms might recur, and Utley's knees may or may not respond to rehab.

The New York Times

To that end, the researchers provide risks for the impact of storms that might recur every 10 to 10,000 years.

Science Magazine

In a short interview with reporters in the courthouse cafeteria, she revealed — though only under prodding from reporters about her health — that she had been treated for cervical cancer before her arrest, and that she had asked for a doctor's checkup because she was worried that it might be recurring.

The New York Times

It repeats; it recurs; it renews.

The New Yorker

It might even become a recurring character.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it might recur" when discussing potential future events or conditions that have happened before and could happen again. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, offering a balanced tone of uncertainty and possibility.

Common error

While "it might recur" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or scientific writing where more precise language like "it is probable that it will recur" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it might recur" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a possibility or a chance that something will happen again. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides various examples illustrating its application in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it might recur" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the possibility of something happening again. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While the phrase maintains a neutral tone suitable for a wide range of conversations, it's important to consider using more formal or precise language in scientific or highly professional writing. Related alternatives include phrases like "it could happen again" or "it may reappear".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could happen again

Replaces 'might' with 'could' and 'recur' with 'happen again', simplifying the language.

it may reappear

Substitutes 'might' with 'may' and 'recur' with 'reappear', offering a slightly more formal tone.

it is liable to reoccur

Replaces 'might' with 'is liable to' and 'recur' with 'reoccur', increasing formality and emphasizing probability.

there's a chance it will repeat

Uses a more conversational structure, highlighting the possibility of repetition.

it is possible it will be back

Offers a less formal and more direct way to express the chance of recurrence.

it has the potential to come back

Focuses on the potential for something to return, rather than a direct prediction.

the problem may arise again

Specifically refers to a problem or issue that could resurface.

the situation could unfold again

Highlights the unfolding or development of a situation that could be repeated.

a repeat occurrence is possible

Emphasizes the possibility of a repeated event or occurrence.

a relapse is a possibility

Specifically refers to the possibility of relapsing, often used in medical or recovery contexts.

FAQs

What does "it might recur" mean?

The phrase "it might recur" indicates that there is a possibility for something to happen again in the future. The likelihood is not definite, but it's a potential outcome based on past occurrences or current conditions.

What are some synonyms for "it might recur"?

Alternatives include "it could happen again", "it may reappear", or "it is liable to reoccur". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "it might recur" formal or informal?

"It might recur" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. However, for highly formal or scientific contexts, more precise language may be preferred.

How can I use "it might recur" in a sentence?

Example: "The doctor warned that the symptoms might recur if the medication is stopped abruptly." You can use it to express uncertainty about a future event based on past experiences or known possibilities.