naturally occurring

USAGE SUMMARY

"naturally occurring" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate something that takes place without being deliberately planned or caused. For example, "The lake's clear colors are the result of its naturally occurring minerals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Anglesite, naturally occurring lead sulfate (PbSO4).

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It's naturally occurring," Mr. Obert said.

The New York Times - Science

"But it's a naturally occurring weather phenomenon.

The Guardian

Human-made ecocide and naturally occurring ecocide.

The Guardian

It's a naturally occurring economic condition.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Naturally occurring viruses can attack biofilms.

MIT Technology Review

Observations of naturally occurring behavior were recorded.

Sustainable Cities and Society

Sulforaphane is a naturally occurring antioxidant.

Bone

Antineoplastons are naturally occurring cytodifferentiating agents.

Cancer Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

There are only about 20 different naturally-occurring amino acids.

BBC

Naturally-occurring inoculum was relied on.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "naturally occurring" to clearly indicate that a phenomenon, substance, or event arises without human intervention. This can add credibility and scientific weight to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "naturally occurring" when the context already implies a natural state. For instance, saying "naturally occurring rain" is redundant since rain is inherently a natural phenomenon. Instead, reserve the phrase for situations where distinguishing between natural and artificial is crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "naturally occurring" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that they exist or arise without human intervention. Ludwig highlights its use across various contexts, affirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "naturally occurring" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase that signifies something existing or arising without human intervention. As confirmed by Ludwig, its versatility is evident in its widespread use across various domains, including science, news media, and encyclopedias. While synonyms like "inherent" and "native" can be used, "naturally occurring" provides a specific emphasis on the unadulterated, non-artificial origin of something. Be mindful to avoid redundancy by only using it when distinguishing between natural and artificial states is necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

occurring spontaneously

Emphasizes that something happens without external cause or prompting.

in its natural state

Emphasizes the unaltered condition of something.

in nature

Highlights that something exists within the natural world.

inherent

Emphasizes the intrinsic quality of something.

native

Highlights origin or belonging to a specific place or environment.

indigenous

Refers to something originating or occurring naturally in a particular place.

endemic

Describes something regularly found in a specific area or among a specific group.

unmanufactured

Focuses on the lack of human intervention or artificial production.

unprocessed

Highlights the absence of artificial treatment or alteration.

untreated

Indicates the absence of any form of processing or chemical treatment.

FAQs

How is "naturally occurring" used in scientific writing?

In scientific writing, "naturally occurring" is used to specify that a substance, process, or phenomenon exists without human intervention. For example, "naturally occurring isotopes" are those found in nature, not synthesized in a lab.

What's the difference between "occurring naturally" and "naturally occurring"?

While both phrases convey the same core meaning, "naturally occurring" is typically used as an adjective before a noun (e.g., "naturally occurring element"), while "occurring naturally" is a verb phrase describing an action (e.g., "the process is occurring naturally").

Can "naturally occurring" apply to events or only substances?

"Naturally occurring" can apply to both events and substances. For instance, you can refer to "naturally occurring disasters" like earthquakes, as well as "naturally occurring minerals" like quartz.

What are some synonyms for "naturally occurring"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "naturally occurring" include "indigenous", "native", "inherent", or "spontaneously occurring". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.