tragic occurrence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tragic occurrence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event that is unfortunate or causes great sadness, often involving loss or suffering. Example: "The community mourned the tragic occurrence that claimed the lives of several residents in the accident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"This was a tragic occurrence.

The New York Times

"This is a tragic occurrence," Newsham said.

The Washington Post

"Suicides are a tragic occurrence and a complex situation.

The Guardian

11, 2001, and the idea of going on after a loss, after an inexplicable tragic occurrence, is paramount.

The New York Times

The most serious blow to the unions came from a tragic occurrence with which they were only indirectly associated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The precise circumstances of this tragic occurrence are being looked into by the security services," Interior Minister Hamed Bakayoko said on RTI.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Even as he was speaking, reports were coming in about a series of tragic occurrences.

The New York Times

The opening image alone, in which beams of light from miners' pit helmets slice through the misty darkness, is likely to resonate with anyone aware of last month's tragic occurrences in the United States coal-mining industry.

The New York Times

Using the results of both studies, Vicary found that 71percentt of respondents were depressed and 64percentt suffered from PTSD two weeks after the tragic occurrences.

HuffPost

It plays on stereotypes and fear to divide Americans, and it cheapens the very real and tragic occurrences of violence against women and seniors," West said.

Huffington Post

War, hunger, and disease are all terrible, tragic occurrences that should rightfully get us upset and motivate all caring people to do what they can to bring those situations to an end.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tragic occurrence" when you want to emphasize both the unfortunate and sorrowful nature of an event, especially when it involves loss or suffering.

Common error

Avoid using "tragic occurrence" in contexts that sensationalize or exploit misfortune; opt for more sensitive language that respects the gravity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tragic occurrence" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "tragic" modifies the noun "occurrence". As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes an event that is unfortunate and causes great sadness, often involving loss or suffering.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tragic occurrence" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe an event that causes great sorrow or suffering. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is primarily found in News & Media, Encyclopaedia, and Wiki sources, indicating a formal to neutral register. While its meaning is clear, it is essential to use it sensitively and consider context in order to avoid sensationalizing misfortune. Alternatives such as "tragic event" or "unfortunate incident" might be more suitable depending on the specific context and audience. Overall, "tragic occurrence" effectively conveys the unfortunate nature of an event, contributing to a message of empathy or concern.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tragic event

More concise and commonly used alternative.

tragic episode

Highlights the specific event as part of a larger narrative.

unfortunate incident

Emphasizes the unfortunate nature while downplaying the severity.

sad incident

Simple and direct expression of sorrow.

deplorable event

Highlights the moral reprehensibility of the happening.

grievous incident

Stresses the painful or distressing nature of the event.

lamentable episode

Formal and emphasizes the sorrow or regret associated with the event.

calamitous event

Stresses a disastrous consequence.

devastating happening

Emphasizes the destructive or overwhelming impact.

unhappy event

Softer phrasing, suitable when minimizing the emotional impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "tragic occurrence" to describe an event that causes great distress or sorrow. For example, "The community mourned the "tragic occurrence" that claimed the lives of several residents."

What are some alternatives to "tragic occurrence"?

Some alternatives to "tragic occurrence" include "tragic event", "unfortunate incident", or "devastating happening".

Is it appropriate to use "tragic occurrence" in informal conversation?

While "tragic occurrence" is acceptable in informal settings, simpler phrases like "sad event" or "unfortunate event" might be more suitable, depending on the audience and context.

What's the difference between "tragic occurrence" and "tragic event"?

"Tragic occurrence" and "tragic event" are largely interchangeable, but "occurrence" implies a specific instance or happening, while "event" is a broader term that can encompass a series of related happenings.