which occurs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which occurs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an event or situation that takes place or happens in a specific context. Example: "The phenomenon, which occurs during the summer months, attracts many tourists to the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rainfall, which occurs throughout the year, and humidity are high.

Britannica

Lee's Lovesong, which occurs in his tragedy of "Theodosius", 1680.

Yale University

Noddings sees care as an ethical practice, and one which occurs through encounter.

The Guardian

Sex reversal, which occurs in a fish's embryo stage, is not uncommon.

The New York Times - Science

The next sex scene, which occurs about a millennium later, is also triggered by grief counselling.

The Guardian - Books

The left side shows quasi-elastic instability which occurs at the sub-micron lengthscale.

The Guardian

Goldberg thought the complication, which occurs in 1 in 2,000 injections, was supremely bad luck.

The Washington Post

Human folly causes famine, which occurs when those ways are blocked.

The New York Times

This artificial drying represents the natural drying process which occurs during the ripening of the fruit.

Nature

Another prominent form is pingo ice, which occurs horizontally or in lens-shaped masses.

Britannica

It contrasts with vertical transfer, which occurs from parents to offspring via the germline.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which occurs" to introduce additional, non-essential information about a subject. Ensure the clause is set off with commas.

Common error

Avoid using "that occurs" in nonrestrictive clauses (clauses that add extra information but aren't essential to the sentence's meaning). "Which occurs", set off by commas, is the correct choice for these clauses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which occurs" functions as a relative clause, providing additional information about a noun or event. It serves to specify or describe something that happens or takes place, as Ludwig's examples show.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

31%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Science

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which occurs" is a grammatically correct and frequently used relative clause for adding non-essential information. According to Ludwig's analysis, it's commonly found in news, academic texts, and encyclopedias, signaling a neutral to formal register. While "that occurs" can sometimes be used, remember "which occurs" is appropriate for nonrestrictive clauses set off by commas. Alternatives like "that happens" or "that takes place" can simplify your language, but "which occurs" provides a useful level of detail and precision when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that happens

Replaces "occurs" with a more common synonym, simplifying the language.

that takes place

Substitutes "occurs" with a slightly more formal phrase.

which arises

Similar to "that arises" but maintains the "which" relative pronoun.

that arises

Indicates the beginning or emergence of something rather than simply happening.

that ensues

Implies that something follows as a consequence of something else.

that comes about

Suggests a process or series of events leading to something happening.

that transpires

A more formal and less common synonym for "happens".

that unfolds

Suggests a gradual revelation or development.

that materializes

Emphasizes the concrete realization of something.

which comes to pass

A more idiomatic and somewhat archaic way of saying "which happens".

FAQs

How can I use "which occurs" in a sentence?

Use "which occurs" to add non-essential information about a noun. For example, "Photosynthesis, "which occurs" in chloroplasts, is essential for plant life."

What are some alternatives to "which occurs"?

Alternatives include "that happens", "that takes place", or "that arises". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

What is the difference between 'that occurs' and "which occurs"?

"Which occurs" is typically used in nonrestrictive clauses (clauses set off by commas that provide additional but non-essential information), while "that occurs" is used in restrictive clauses (clauses essential to the sentence's meaning and not set off by commas).

Is it ever wrong to use "which occurs"?

Yes, it would be incorrect to use "which occurs" in a restrictive clause (a clause that's essential to the meaning of the sentence and not set off by commas). In such cases, "that occurs" is more appropriate.