this could occur

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this could occur" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to express that something is a possibility or could happen in the future. For example: "If temperatures continue to rise, this could occur more frequently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This could occur in many other places.

The New York Times

There are several logical mechanisms by which this could occur.

The New York Times

He said it was a definite possibility that this could occur this season.

The New York Times - Sports

This could occur where a meat processing or cutting plant was dealing with more than one species.

The Guardian

And this could occur in ways journalists themselves may not be aware of".

The New York Times

Mr. Lenton's analysis shows this could occur in a remarkably short time.

The New York Times

"This could occur during a frisk or to guide a suspect to the sidewalk," he wrote in an e-mail.

The New York Times

This could occur through a rise in congestion costs or through population growth substantial enough to bid down nominal wages.

The Economist

This could occur if recruiters link religious closenesses with economic outcomes in a differential manner.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

A method by which this could occur is to express the desired miRNA in MSCs.

Clinical and Translational Medicine

Here is a stylized example that illustrates how this could occur.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this could occur" when presenting a potential scenario or consequence, especially in formal writing or when outlining possibilities in a logical argument.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions with "this could occur". Sometimes, active voice provides a more direct and impactful statement. For instance, instead of "Errors could occur," try "Mistakes might arise." This enhances clarity and strengthens the writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this could occur" functions as an introductory phrase indicating a possibility or potential event. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It often introduces a scenario or explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this could occur" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to denote possibility or potential. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and suitable for various writing contexts. The analysis reveals that it is most frequently used in scientific and news-related sources, suggesting a formal or neutral register. To enhance writing, it is recommended to avoid overusing passive voice and consider more active alternatives where appropriate. This phrase is a valuable tool for expressing hypothetical scenarios and potential outcomes with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this might happen

Replaces 'could' with 'might', suggesting a slightly lower probability.

this may take place

Substitutes 'could occur' with 'may take place', indicating a formal alternative.

this is liable to happen

Replaces the modal verb construction with 'is liable to', implying a tendency.

this is possible

Offers a shorter alternative emphasizing the possibility of the event.

this is a potential outcome

Rephrases the sentence to focus on the event as a 'potential outcome'.

this is a chance

Highlights the aspect of 'chance' or probability associated with the occurrence.

this can come about

Replaces 'occur' with 'come about', suggesting the event's emergence.

it is not out of the question

Expresses that something is possible, but not certain.

this remains a possibility

Emphasizes that the event is still a 'possibility', even if uncertain.

there's a probability of this happening

Highlights the 'probability' aspect, specifying that something could happen.

FAQs

How can I use "this could occur" in a sentence?

"This could occur" is used to suggest a possible event or outcome. For example, "If safety protocols are not followed, this could occur" indicates a potential consequence of neglecting safety measures.

What phrases are similar to "this could occur"?

Alternatives include phrases like "this might happen", "this may take place", or "this is possible", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "this could occur" or "this might occur"?

Both "this could occur" and "this might occur" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the degree of possibility you want to express. "Could" suggests a slightly higher probability than "might".

What's the difference between "this could occur" and "this will occur"?

"This could occur" suggests a possibility, while "this will occur" indicates a certainty. Using "this will occur" implies that the event is guaranteed to happen, whereas "this could occur" means it is only a potential outcome.