occur

If an event takes place, it happens.

• Accidents can occur anywhere.
• The change occurred last year.
• When did the first symptoms occur?

Similar words: happen, take place

Common phrases: occur during something, occur in something, occur at something

If an idea comes into your mind, you suddenly think of it.

• A strange thought occurred to me.
• It never occurred to him to ask for help.
• Did it occur to you that she might be busy?

How to use it: occur to someone (A better idea occurred to her.); it occurs to someone that… (It occurred to me that we had met before.); it occurs to someone to do something (It never occurred to me to check the date.)

Similar words: come to mind, strike

Common phrases: occur to someone, occur to me

To become available or appear as a chance to do something.

• If an opportunity occurs, I will speak to her.
• A chance to leave occurred late that evening.
• No suitable occasion occurred during the visit.

Similar words: arise, present itself

Common phrases: opportunity may occur, chance might occur