occurs when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "occurs when" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a specific condition or event that takes place at a certain time or under certain circumstances. Example: "The phenomenon occurs when the temperature drops below freezing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Recovery occurs when investor confidence returns.

The New York Times

This occurs when common sense trumps partisanship.

The New York Times

Something upbeat occurs when juniper is afoot.

The New York Times - Magazine

Something special occurs when people come together.

The Guardian

Excitement occurs when something is genuinely innovative.

The New York Times

An earthquake occurs when a fault ruptures.

The Guardian

Aliasing occurs when a signal is undersampled.

Stanford University

Much occurs when supermarkets and fast-food restaurants reject delivery.

The Guardian

Such adaptation typically occurs when the frontier terminates".

The New York Times - Books

That inevitably occurs when you don't talk to each other.

The Guardian

Overweight occurs when people consume more calories than they expend.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "occurs when" to clearly define the conditions or circumstances that lead to a specific event or outcome. This phrase is particularly useful in scientific, technical, and formal writing where precision is important.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "occurs when" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "happens when" or "is when" to maintain a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "occurs when" functions as a causal connector, linking an event or condition to its trigger or cause. It establishes a direct relationship, explaining under what circumstances something takes place. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a grammatically sound way to specify conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

33%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "occurs when" is a grammatically correct and frequently used causal connector, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is commonly employed in news, academic, and scientific writing to precisely define the conditions or circumstances leading to a specific event. While versatile, "occurs when" leans towards a formal tone, making alternatives like "happens when" more suitable for informal contexts. The phrase finds frequent use in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, highlighting its reliability and widespread acceptance in formal discourse. To enhance writing, use "occurs when" for precise explanations of cause-and-effect but consider more casual alternatives when the context is informal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

happens if

This alternative provides a more direct and less formal way to express a conditional relationship.

results when

This option highlights the outcome or consequence of a specific action or event.

is triggered by

This phrase indicates a specific cause or event that initiates a particular reaction.

takes place under the condition that

This phrase introduces a more formal and specific condition necessary for something to occur.

is conditional upon

This phrase underscores the dependence of an event on a specific requirement or condition.

is a consequence of

This alternative emphasizes the direct cause-and-effect relationship between two events.

arises in circumstances where

This alternative emphasizes the surrounding situation or environment that leads to an event.

comes about because

This option offers a more casual way to explain the reason or cause behind an event.

is observed if

This implies an observation or detection of something only when a certain condition is met.

is a product of

This suggests that the event is the result or outcome of a process or set of conditions.

FAQs

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

The phrase "occurs when" is used to specify the condition or event under which something happens. For example, "An earthquake "occurs when a fault ruptures"".

What are some alternatives to "occurs when"?

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

Is it always appropriate to use "occurs when" in writing?

While grammatically correct, "occurs when" is generally more suited for formal and technical writing. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. It depends on the tone and audience of your writing.

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

"Occurs when" is more formal and often used in technical or academic contexts to precisely define a condition. "Happens when" is a more casual alternative suitable for everyday conversation and less formal writing.