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adj Common

occurring

uh-KUR-rihng
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Occurring (adj) means Happening, especially in a specified way or place. Example: “Earthquakes are naturally occurring events that scientists still find hard to predict.”

adj
1
Happening, especially in a specified way or place.
"Earthquakes are naturally occurring events that scientists still find hard to predict."
"Problems occurring late at night are the hardest ones for the support team to fix."
"These are naturally occurring minerals found in the soil here."

How to use occurring

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHappening, especially in a particular pattern or place.

Common pairings
naturally occurring commonly occurring
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Word forms

Plural
occurrings
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Earthquakes are naturally _____ events that scientists still find hard to predict.

happening arising taking place appearing unfolding cropping up

Related words

Rhymes for occurring

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Frequently asked questions

What does “occurring” mean?
The word “occurring” means happening, especially in a specified way or place. In plain terms, happening, especially in a particular pattern or place.
How do you pronounce “occurring”?
“Occurring” is pronounced uh-KUR-rihng (/əˈkɝɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “occurring” in a sentence?
Here is “occurring” used in a sentence: “These are naturally occurring minerals found in the soil here.”
What part of speech is “occurring”?
“Occurring” is an adjective.
Is “occurring” a common word?
“Occurring” is a fairly common word in modern English.
Why is occurring spelled with two r's?
Occurring doubles the final "r" because "occur" ends in a stressed syllable with a single vowel before a single consonant, so the consonant doubles when "-ing" is added. The spelling "occuring" with one r is a common mistake and is incorrect.
What is the difference between occurring and recurring?
Occurring simply means happening or taking place. Recurring means happening repeatedly or again and again, so a recurring event occurs more than once over time.
What is the difference between occurring and happening?
Both mean taking place, but "occurring" is slightly more formal and is common in scientific, technical, and written contexts. "Happening" is more everyday and conversational.

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