Occur: meaning, definitions and examples

Best used in formal writing or speech to describe when something happens unexpectedly or is discovered.

• An error occurred during the processing of your request
• Natural disasters often occur without warning

Suitable for everyday conversation and less formal writing to describe any event or situation coming to be.

• I didn't mean for it to happen
• What will happen if we miss the bus?

Ideal for describing planned or scheduled events, often used in both formal and informal contexts.

• The concert will take place next Saturday
• Where did the meeting take place?

Primarily used in formal or literary contexts to describe events occurring, often with a subtle tone of revealing something hidden or previously unknown.

• It transpired that the suspect had an alibi
• After the meeting, it transpired that the project was going to be delayed

Used when talking about events or incidents that happen, often unexpectedly.

• Earthquakes often occur without any warning
• The accident occurred around midnight

Used to indicate that something has actual being or is real, often in a more abstract or philosophical sense.

• Does life exist on other planets? Poverty continues to exist in many countries

Used when something becomes visible or seems to be the case based on evidence or observation.

• A rainbow appeared after the storm
• She appears to be tired today

Used when someone or something is in a particular place or at a specific event or moment in time.

• She will be present at the meeting
• All the necessary tools are present in the toolbox