Words / C1

in-KUR/ɪnˈkɜː/

To incur is to bring a cost, debt, or penalty on yourself through what you do: incur costs, incur a fine. Occur (already in the dictionary) is happen — a lookalike. Pay is everyday and later in the story. Incurred is the usual past form. Do not incur a compliment.

Meaning

To become subject to something unpleasant, especially a cost or a penalty, as a result of your actions.

Examples

• “Overtime will incur a cost the grant cannot meet.”
• “Weekend overtime will incur a cost the grant line cannot meet.”
• “A delay occurred (happened); a penalty was incurred (brought on by the delay). Keep the verbs apart.”

Good to know

Bring a cost/penalty on yourself. Mix-up: occur (happen). Everyday later: pay. Pattern: incur costs/charges/a fine. Not praise.

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