to recur

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to recur" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that happens again or repeatedly over time. Example: "The issue seems to recur every few months, despite our efforts to resolve it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

CCE is likely to recur and the recurrence is associated with poor prognosis [17].

Surgical Case Reports

They also tend to recur.

The Economist

Would I want it to recur?

The New York Times - Science

Luckily, it is very rare for the disorder to recur.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As the firm has expanded, motifs have started to recur.

The Guardian - Arts

The opportunity is unlikely to recur in her lifetime.

The Guardian

Nearly 20percentt of them to recur, sometimes repeatedly.

The New York Times - Health

But sometimes patterns take much longer to recur.

The New York Times

It may occur without apparent cause and tends to recur.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It began to recur last month in southern China, where it originated.

The Guardian

With outdated, illogical and unequal rules for blood donation, such crises are likely to recur.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to recur", ensure that the subject and context clearly indicate what is being repeated or happening again. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the writing's clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "to recur" when simply introducing a new element or idea for the first time. This phrase specifically denotes a return or repetition of something already established.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to recur" functions as an infinitive verb, typically used to indicate that something happens again, often after a period of absence or resolution. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the infinitive phrase "to recur" is a correct and commonly used expression signifying that something happens again or repeatedly. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable across various contexts. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related sources, "to recur" serves to denote the repetition of events, conditions, or patterns. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what is being repeated and avoid using it when introducing something entirely new. Alternatives such as "to happen again" or "to repeat itself" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to happen again

This phrase is a direct and simple substitute, emphasizing the repetition of an event.

to repeat itself

This alternative implies that the subject is performing the action of repeating without external influence.

to occur repeatedly

This option highlights the frequent nature of the event's reappearance.

to come back

This phrase is more informal and suggests a return after an absence.

to re-emerge

This suggests something that was hidden or dormant is now appearing again.

to arise again

This phrase implies a renewed existence or appearance of something.

to manifest again

This alternative is more formal, indicating a reappearance in a tangible form.

to be reiterated

This phrase emphasizes the act of repeating something that was already said or expressed.

to present again

This option highlights the reappearance of a condition or problem.

to resurface

Suggests something that was suppressed or forgotten is now becoming prominent again.

FAQs

How can I use "to recur" in a sentence?

Use "to recur" to describe something that happens again or repeatedly. For instance, "The problem seems "to recur" every few months, despite our efforts to fix it."

What are some alternatives to "to recur"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "to happen again", "to repeat itself", or "to occur repeatedly".

Is it better to use "to recur" or "to repeat"?

"To repeat" is a more general term for doing something again. "To recur" implies a cyclical or intermittent return, often after an absence or a period of resolution.

What's the difference between "to recur" and "to reoccur"?

While ""to recur"" and "to reoccur" are often used interchangeably, ""to recur"" is the more common and generally preferred form. "To reoccur" is considered by some to be redundant.