verb · B1

Occur

uh-KUR/əˈkɜː/

Occur is a more formal way to say happen, common in news and reports. An accident occurred; it occurred to me that… (I suddenly thought). Happen is everyday. Take place is for planned events. Occurrence is the noun. Do not use occur for “take” or “come.”

Meaning

To happen.

Examples

“The accident occurred late at night.”
“If any problems occur, call this number.”
“It occurred to her that she had left her keys.”

Good to know

occur = happen (formal). it occurred to me that = I realised. Planned: take place.

Near in meaning

happen

New