when it occurs

USAGE SUMMARY

"when it occurs" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when something is expected to happen at an uncertain time. For example, "We'll need to be prepared for any emergency when it occurs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"When it occurs in its severest manifestations, it's very, very frightening," he said.

The New York Times

Impotence, when it occurs, develops over two to three years.

The New York Times - Health

Even when it occurs, Degas sometimes obscures it.

The New York Times - Arts

Why is it considered scandalous when it occurs at a top-rated news magazine or newspaper, and funny when it occurs in a tabloid magazine?

The New York Times

"So I'll just be focused on that and worry about next year when it occurs.

The Guardian - Sport

Why shouldn't news be reported promptly, no matter when it occurs?

The New York Times

Blindness–– especially when it occurs later in life can cast unexpected light on this question.

The New Yorker

This office will seek to identify and punish it when it occurs.

The New York Times

That happens so rarely that when it occurs it is of historical significance.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I feel sorrow whenever life is diminished, even when it occurs by the death penalty.

The New York Times

But when it occurs, patients need both intestine and liver transplants.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when it occurs" to clearly indicate that the event or situation being discussed is contingent and not always certain to happen. This adds precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where the subject receiving the action is unclear. Ensure the sentence clearly states what is causing the event to occur. For example, instead of "Mistakes are made when it occurs", clarify with "People make mistakes when it occurs under pressure".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when it occurs" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by specifying the timing or condition under which the main clause's action takes place. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

47%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when it occurs" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase that functions as an adverbial clause of time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across various contexts, from formal scientific writing to informal news reports. It effectively establishes a conditional relationship between events, indicating that one action is contingent upon the happening of another. While commonly found in news and scientific domains, its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse writing styles. Consider alternatives like "if it happens" or "should it arise" to add stylistic variation. Remember to avoid passive voice constructions to maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if it happens

Focuses on the conditional aspect of the event's occurrence, rather than the timing.

once it happens

Emphasizes the completion of the event as a condition.

as and when it happens

British English, emphasizing the uncertainty of the timing.

should it arise

Implies a more formal or hypothetical situation.

if it comes about

Highlights the process of something happening or being realized.

when it transpires

A more formal synonym for 'happens'.

on the occasion that it arises

Specifies a particular instance or event.

if the situation arises

Specifically refers to a situation or set of circumstances.

in the event that it takes place

A more formal and elaborate way of expressing a condition.

upon its happening

Highlights the immediacy or consequence of the event.

FAQs

How can I use "when it occurs" in a sentence?

Use "when it occurs" to describe a conditional event or situation. For example, "We will address the issue "when it occurs"" indicates the action is dependent on the event happening.

What are some alternatives to "when it occurs"?

You can use alternatives such as "if it happens", "should it arise", or "once it happens" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative slightly shifts the emphasis of the condition.

Is "when it occurs" formal or informal?

"When it occurs" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.

How does the meaning change if I use "where it occurs" instead of "when it occurs"?

"When it occurs" refers to the timing of an event, whereas "where it occurs" refers to the location. Using "where" instead of "when" will completely change the meaning of the sentence.