C1 noun Formal

occurrence

/əˈkʌrəns/

An occurrence refers to an instance or event where something happens or exists. In a broader sense, it can also describe the frequency or prevalence of a particular phenomenon within a specific context or dataset.

Examples

3 of 5
1

Finding a four-leaf clover is considered a rare occurrence by most people.

Finding a four-leaf clover is considered a rare occurrence by most people.

2

The committee is currently investigating the occurrence of financial irregularities within the department.

The committee is currently investigating the occurrence of financial irregularities within the department.

3

It was just a weird occurrence, so I wouldn't let it bother you too much.

It was just a weird occurrence, so I wouldn't let it bother you too much.

Word Family

Noun
occurrence
Verb
occur
Adverb
recurrently
Adjective
recurrent
Related
recurrence
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Memory Tip

Remember the 'Double-Double' rule: Double 'C' and Double 'R' occur in the word 'occurrence'.

Quick Quiz

The sudden power outage was an unexpected __________ that disrupted the entire meeting.

Correct!

The correct answer is: occurrence

Examples

1

Finding a four-leaf clover is considered a rare occurrence by most people.

everyday

Finding a four-leaf clover is considered a rare occurrence by most people.

2

The committee is currently investigating the occurrence of financial irregularities within the department.

formal

The committee is currently investigating the occurrence of financial irregularities within the department.

3

It was just a weird occurrence, so I wouldn't let it bother you too much.

informal

It was just a weird occurrence, so I wouldn't let it bother you too much.

4

The researchers documented a high occurrence of the specific protein in the sample group.

academic

The researchers documented a high occurrence of the specific protein in the sample group.

5

Our primary goal is to minimize the occurrence of system downtime during the transition period.

business

Our primary goal is to minimize the occurrence of system downtime during the transition period.

Word Family

Noun
occurrence
Verb
occur
Adverb
recurrently
Adjective
recurrent
Related
recurrence

Common Collocations

common occurrence common occurrence
rare occurrence rare occurrence
daily occurrence daily occurrence
natural occurrence natural occurrence
frequent occurrence frequent occurrence

Common Phrases

an everyday occurrence

an everyday occurrence

of frequent occurrence

of frequent occurrence

a regular occurrence

a regular occurrence

Often Confused With

occurrence vs incident

An incident usually implies a specific, often negative event or conflict, whereas an occurrence is a more neutral term for anything that happens.

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Usage Notes

The word is frequently used in scientific, technical, or formal writing to describe the rate at which something happens or the existence of a particular feature. It is more formal than 'event' or 'happening.'

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often misspell the word as 'occurence' or 'ocurance'; remember that it requires a double 'c' and a double 'r'.

💡

Memory Tip

Remember the 'Double-Double' rule: Double 'C' and Double 'R' occur in the word 'occurrence'.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'occurrere', meaning 'to run to meet' or 'to present itself'.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Often followed by the preposition 'of' Plural form: occurrences

Quick Quiz

The sudden power outage was an unexpected __________ that disrupted the entire meeting.

Correct!

The correct answer is: occurrence

Related Words

to

A1

Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.

and

A1

A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.

a

A1

A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.

that

A1

This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.

I

A1

The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.

for

A1

Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.

not

A1

A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.

with

A1

A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.

he

A1

A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.

you

A1

Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.

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