routine occurrence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "routine occurrence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or situation that happens regularly or is expected to happen frequently. Example: "In our office, late arrivals have become a routine occurrence, leading to discussions about improving punctuality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

This became a routine occurrence when he and Mr. Cho were flying around the country to promote the first film.

The New York Times

I was struck that my friends accepted this as a routine occurrence and me as a renowned writer.

The New Yorker

It has become a regular, almost routine, occurrence: another day, another record low for the Canadian dollar.

The New York Times

Later, we see why: deaths in the Cody clan are a routine occurrence.

Independent

Upon touchdown, Nasa's mission control in Houston said the Soyuz had landed on its side after being caught by the wind, but this was a fairly routine occurrence.

The Guardian

Impossible though "getting something for nothing" may seem, Dr. Guth points out that in the realm of subnuclear particles, spontaneous creation is a routine occurrence.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

In Baghdad, assassinations and suicide bombings have become routine occurrences.

The New Yorker

And at Mountain Air, expeditions in search of those long-tailed slender amphibians, led by the community's resident naturalist, are routine occurrences.

The New York Times

In the Jewish Museum show his subjects include routine occurrences: market days; petty theft; a Torah procession; the shilklaper, who walked the streets like a town crier, reminding women to light the Sabbath candles; and Mayer himself, attending school, playing soccer and fetching a herring from the fishmonger.

The New York Times - Arts

Users can ignore alerts for routine occurrences like a spouse's car coming up the driveway or their own kids playing basketball in the driveway.

TechCrunch

Anti-government rallies, bombings, mass arrests and the death of protesters have become unflinchingly routine occurrences.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "routine occurrence", ensure the context clearly indicates the event's frequency and lack of exceptionality. This helps avoid misinterpretations and strengthens your writing's clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "routine occurrence" when describing a situation that is actually rare or unexpected. This can undermine your credibility and mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "routine occurrence" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It typically describes something that happens regularly and predictably. Ludwig confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "routine occurrence" is a useful noun phrase to describe events that are common and expected. It's grammatically correct and appears in a variety of contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. While it can be used in both formal and informal writing, it's important to ensure that its use is appropriate to the context and that you don't overstate the significance of an event. Alternative phrases like "common event" or "regular phenomenon" can be used to add nuance to your writing. Ludwig AI helps clarify its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common event

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

regular phenomenon

Highlights the predictable nature and scientific aspects of the event.

typical incident

Focuses on the event being representative of a broader pattern of similar events.

everyday affair

Suggests the event is so common that it blends into the background of daily life.

frequent instance

Highlights that the event is one of many similar occurrences.

normal situation

Focuses on the event aligning with what is expected or considered standard.

standard practice

Implies that the occurrence is part of an established or accepted procedure.

usual experience

Focuses on the personal perspective, indicating that the event is something one often encounters.

established pattern

Highlights the repetition and predictability of the occurrence, suggesting a structured sequence.

customary event

Highlights that the event is socially or culturally typical.

FAQs

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

You can use "routine occurrence" to describe events that happen regularly and are not surprising. For example: "Power outages are a "routine occurrence" during the rainy season".

What are some alternatives to "routine occurrence"?

Alternatives include "common event", "regular phenomenon", or "typical incident", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "routine occurrence" formal or informal?

"Routine occurrence" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

What's the difference between "routine occurrence" and "normal occurrence"?

While similar, "routine occurrence" emphasizes the frequency and predictability of an event, whereas "normal occurrence" focuses on the event being aligned with expected standards or conditions. Consider choosing one over the other if you wish to stress repetition versus conformity with norms.