ordinary occurrence

USAGE SUMMARY

"ordinary occurrence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not out of the ordinary, or common. For example: "Missing a few hours of sleep is an ordinary occurrence for me since I have a busy work schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"Our humour is pretty good," Andrée wrote, "although joking and smiling are not of ordinary occurrence".

The New Yorker

He "takes the mystery out of dying, makes it almost an ordinary occurrence," Foote wrote to Percy.

The New York Times - Books

Either way, several residents in the Beaumont and Port Arthur area said wild alligators were not an ordinary occurrence around those parts.

The Washington Post

But while not suggesting an impact on safety, Dr. Corradini called the breakdown of the pump "not an ordinary occurrence at all".

The New York Times

All three deliver a memory of what television was like before cable, when snow and static and strange lines of unknown origin wandering through the picture (I don't mean the first-down line) were an ordinary occurrence.

The New York Times - Tech

It isn't an ordinary occurrence in show business for a performer who gets top billing not to behave like top dog, and Mr. Fatone is wisely and appropriately modest in his performance.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Relevantly, Ogata (2008) argues that the background rate appears better long-term forecasting for large earthquakes (M ≥ 6.7,15 years period) than the ordinary average occurrence intensity in space, by the retrospective prediction performance.

Earth, Planets and Space

— and the war crimes were hardly ordinary occurrences.

The Washington Post

Police brutality and racial profiling were ordinary occurrences in Detroit's African American neighbourhoods.

Britannica

Jeff is convinced that ordinary occurrences in his own life have special significance.

The New York Times

"Simic is a master at interrogating ordinary occurrences with piercing yet slightly tongue-in-cheek observations," Albert Mobilio wrote here in 1999.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ordinary occurrence" to downplay the significance of an event or situation, emphasizing its commonness and lack of uniqueness.

Common error

While "ordinary occurrence" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your prose sound monotonous. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "common event" or "typical instance" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ordinary occurrence" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something as a common or typical event, as supported by Ludwig's examples showcasing its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ordinary occurrence" is a noun phrase that describes something common and unremarkable. Grammatically correct, it functions as a neutral way to indicate that an event is not exceptional. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While it's commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedia sources, varying your vocabulary with synonyms like "common event" or "typical instance" can enhance your writing style. Remember to use it judiciously in formal contexts to avoid monotony.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everyday occurence

Highlights how frequently the occurrence takes place, is part of daily life.

common event

Replaces "occurrence" with "event", focusing on the event-like nature of what happens.

typical instance

Uses "typical instance" to highlight the representative nature of the event.

usual event

Similar to "common event", but emphasizes the habitual or expected nature.

normal happening

Emphasizes the normality and lack of surprise associated with the event.

routine matter

Focuses on the lack of excitement or deviation from the norm.

standard situation

Replaces "occurence" with "situation" that underlines the context where it happens.

regular phenomenon

Shifts the focus to something observable and recurrent in nature or society.

frequent incidence

Suggests a numerical aspect; incidence is the action or fact of something happening.

nothing unusual

Highlights the absence of anything extraordinary or remarkable.

FAQs

How can I use "ordinary occurrence" in a sentence?

You can use "ordinary occurrence" to describe something that happens regularly or is not unusual, for example: "Traffic delays are an "ordinary occurrence" during rush hour".

What phrases are similar to "ordinary occurrence"?

Alternatives to "ordinary occurrence" include "common event", "typical instance", or "usual event", which all convey a sense of something being commonplace or not out of the ordinary.

Is it always appropriate to use "ordinary occurrence" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "ordinary occurrence" might sound somewhat informal in certain contexts. Consider using a more sophisticated synonym like "routine matter" or "regular phenomenon" depending on the specific context and desired tone.

What's the difference between "ordinary occurrence" and "unusual event"?

"Ordinary occurrence" describes something that happens frequently and is not surprising, while "unusual event" describes something that is rare, unexpected, and noteworthy. The key difference lies in the frequency and predictability of the event.