it occurs

USAGE SUMMARY

"it occurs" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe when something takes place, often unexpectedly. For example, "It occurs to me that we should consider a different option."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It occurs in inbred communities.

The New Yorker

"Honestly, it occurs to me.

The New York Times

"It occurs often," he says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It occurs on page 174.

The Guardian - Books

"Now it occurs to you to come?

The New York Times

It occurs both native and in compounds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And it occurs before his illness.

The New York Times - Books

And I think it occurs in everybody".

The New Yorker

It occurs primarily — not exclusively — in blacks.

The New York Times

It occurs in beds and in nodules.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It occurs each winter in the mountains".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it occurs" to describe events or phenomena without emphasizing cause or intention. For example, "It occurs frequently in nature."

Common error

Avoid overuse of "it occurs" in highly formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "it arises" or "it transpires" to add variety and sophistication to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it occurs" functions as an impersonal verb phrase, indicating that something happens or exists. As Ludwig AI states, it's a correct and usable phrase. It is commonly used to describe events or phenomena without attributing agency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it occurs" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe when something happens or exists. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. With a neutral register and frequent appearance in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources, it suits a wide range of writing styles. While alternatives like "it happens" or "it arises" may be considered for stylistic variation, "it occurs" remains a reliable choice for expressing the occurrence of events or the presence of phenomena.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it happens

Replaces "occurs" with "happens", implying a more casual or coincidental event.

it takes place

Emphasizes the scheduled or organized nature of the event.

it arises

Suggests that something emerges or originates.

it comes about

Indicates the manner or process by which something happens.

it materializes

Implies that something becomes real or visible.

it transpires

Suggests the revealing of something previously unknown.

it comes to pass

Gives a more formal or literary tone to the event.

it presents itself

Highlights the spontaneous or unsolicited nature of the event.

it unfolds

Describes the gradual revelation or development of an event.

it is present

Indicates existence or availability in a certain context.

FAQs

How can I use "it occurs" in a sentence?

You can use "it occurs" to describe when something happens or exists, such as "it occurs naturally" or "it occurs frequently".

What's the difference between "it occurs" and "it happens"?

While similar, "it occurs" often implies a more formal or less expected event than "it happens". "It happens" is generally more casual.

Which is correct: "it occurs to me" or "it occurs me"?

"It occurs to me" is the correct form. The preposition "to" is necessary when using "occur" to express a thought or idea coming to mind.

What can I say instead of "it occurs"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it arises", "it takes place", or "it happens".