when it occurred

USAGE SUMMARY

"when it occurred" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when speaking of something that has already happened in the past, in order to describe the timing of the event. For example: "I was surprised when it occurred to me that I had never seen a sunrise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The subsidence reached its most critical state in the early 1980s when it occurred at a rate as high as 120 mm/year.

Engineering Geology

"That's when it occurred.

The New York Times

And that's when it occurred to me.

The New York Times

Unfortunately the explosion, when it occurred, had only one victim.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's when it occurred to me that Nina's father was not a hippy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Even Detroit players looked concerned when it occurred and signaled the Giants' bench for medical help.

The New York Times - Sports

That's when it occurred to me that maybe, in their own gentle way, they actually had.

The Guardian - Travel

When it occurred again on a frigid day in Michigan, I blamed the cold.

The New York Times - Health

That's when it occurred to him that "prohibition" was the true enemy.

The Guardian - Opinion

I learned to cope by always trying to talk to or greet someone when it occurred.

The New York Times

Armenian resistance, when it occurred, provided the authorities with a pretext for employing harsher measures.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your writing. While "when it occurred" is generally acceptable in most contexts, more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "at the time of its occurrence".

Common error

Avoid using "when it occurred" in sentences where the timing is already clear. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less concise. Ensure that the phrase adds value by clarifying the specific moment or conditions of the event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when it occurred" functions as an adverbial clause, modifying a main clause by providing information about the timing or circumstances of an event. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when it occurred" is a versatile phrase used to specify the timing and circumstances of past events. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is commonly found in news, scientific writing, and encyclopedias. While generally neutral in tone, more formal contexts may benefit from alternative phrasing. The phrase serves to provide temporal context, helping readers understand the sequence of events. Common errors include redundant usage, so use it judiciously to enhance clarity rather than clutter your writing. Remember, "when it occurred" is most effective when it adds meaningful context to the narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the moment it took place

Substitutes "occurred" with "took place", focusing on the action.

at the time of its occurrence

Replaces "when" with "at the time of" for a more formal tone.

on the occasion it happened

Emphasizes a specific instance or event.

as it transpired

Indicates the event became known or proved to be the case.

upon its happening

Changes the structure to emphasize the moment of happening.

when it arose

Uses "arose" to indicate the event came into existence or began.

during its unfolding

Highlights the process or development of the event.

when it came about

Uses "came about" as a more informal synonym for "occurred".

at its emergence

Focuses on the event's initial appearance or rise.

at its inception

Focuses on the beginning or start of the event.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "when it occurred" for a more formal tone?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases such as "at the time of its occurrence" or "upon its happening". These alternatives provide a more elevated and sophisticated style, suitable for academic or professional writing.

What are some synonyms for "occurred" that I can use with "when it"?

Instead of "occurred", you could use verbs like "happened", "took place", or "arose". For example, you can say "when it happened" or "when it "took place"".

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "when it occurred"?

While grammatically correct, overuse or redundant use of "when it occurred" can make your writing sound clunky. Ensure the phrase adds clarity or context rather than simply restating the obvious.

How does "when it occurred" differ from "after it occurred"?

"When it occurred" specifies the timing or circumstances concurrent with an event, whereas "after it "occurred"" indicates a point in time following the event. The former focuses on the event itself, while the latter focuses on what happened subsequently.