it occurred that

USAGE SUMMARY

"it occurred that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express that something has happened or become clear. Example: It occurred that the meeting had been cancelled due to the weather.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

It was only the process by which it occurred that was cause for debate within the scientific community, they told me.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

In Hollywood, even those who opposed him politically returned the honor in 1981 when the board of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts unanimously decided to postpone the March 30 Oscar ceremony hours before it was scheduled to begin, as word reached them of an assassination attempt on the recently-inaugurated President moments after it occurred that day.

Huffington Post

"I'm very regretful that it occurred, that I didn't know about it.

The New York Times

"Just the fact that it occurred, that it took about three hours, and who participated in it, at least on the U.S. side," Ms. Strauber said.

The New York Times

Both of us trained our binoculars and it occurred that the woodpecker was unnaturally hopping about like it was treading on a hot surface.

Independent

Rattling along the Kent coast on the 13.32 from Dover Priory to little Sandwich (with Ham and Rye not far away), it occurred that Turner could not have improved on the picture of English understatement framed in the train's window, all flat and dull under grey balls of cloud with not a threat to be seen.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

It never occurs to me that Scotland and England are one, any more than it occurs that Scotland and Wales are one.

The Guardian

It occurs that even the sheep in the background are likely up to no good.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Incidentally, it occurs that perhaps the concession area is a natural comfort zone for the mice.

The New York Times

It occurs that the Jesus and Mary Chain are a decent wee pop band with a few clever gimmicks.

The Guardian - Music

It's only because of the setting of the film, the place and the time that it occurs, that the spectator has these associations".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it occurred that" to introduce a realization or understanding, especially when narrating a sequence of events or explaining a thought process. It adds a slightly formal tone to your writing.

Common error

While "it occurred that" is grammatically sound, overuse can make your writing sound stilted. Consider using simpler alternatives like "I realized that" or "I understood that" for a more natural tone in informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it occurred that" functions as an introductory clause, signaling the introduction of a thought, realization, or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in English. It sets the stage for explaining what someone realized or understood.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it occurred that" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a realization or understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it's not exceedingly common, it is appropriate in various contexts, especially in science and news media. When using "it occurred that", be mindful of the tone and consider more straightforward alternatives like "I realized that" for informal writing. The key is to use the phrase when you want to emphasize the moment of realization or the shift in understanding that took place.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it dawned on me that

Focuses on a sudden realization, often implying a personal insight.

it struck me that

Emphasizes a forceful or impactful realization.

i realized that

A more direct and personal way of expressing the realization.

i understood that

Indicates a comprehension or gaining of knowledge.

it became clear that

Highlights the gradual unveiling or clarification of a situation.

i came to the realization that

A more formal and emphatic way of saying 'I realized'.

it crossed my mind that

Suggests a fleeting thought or consideration.

i figured out that

Implies a process of reasoning or problem-solving leading to the understanding.

it hit me that

Similar to "it struck me that" but can imply a slightly more emotional impact.

i noticed that

Focuses on observation and awareness of something.

FAQs

How can I use "it occurred that" in a sentence?

Use "it occurred that" to introduce a thought or realization. For example, "It occurred that the meeting had already started" or "It occurred that I had forgotten my keys".

What are some alternatives to "it occurred that"?

You can use alternatives like "it dawned on me that", "I realized that", or "it struck me that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "it occurred to me that" or "it occurred that"?

Both "it occurred to me that" and "it occurred that" are grammatically correct. "It occurred to me that" is slightly more common and personal, while "it occurred that" is more formal and impersonal.

What's the difference between "it occurred that" and "it happened that"?

"It occurred that" implies a realization or understanding, while "it happened that" simply indicates that something took place. For example, "It occurred that I had met him before" (realization) vs. "It happened that I was in town that day" (event).