What does the phrasal verb “occur to” mean?

What are the definitions of “occur to”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Enter one's mind.

  Didn't it OCCUR TO you to help me when you saw how much trouble I was in?

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “occur to”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb occur to is when an idea, thought, or realization enters someone's mind. It is often used to describe a sudden understanding or awareness of something.

What are the different verb forms of “occur to”?

Root Verb	occur to
Third Person Singular Present	occurs to
Present Participle	occurring to
Simple Past	occurred to
Past Participle	occurred to

Example

It never occurred to me that she might be unhappy.

Example

It occurs to him that he should call his parents.

Example

The idea is occurring to her as we speak.

Example

It occurred to me that I forgot my wallet at home.

Example

The solution had never occurred to him before.

What kind of phrasal verb is “occur to”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Intransitive verb

“occur to” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

Example

It occurred to me that I should bring an umbrella.

Example

The thought never occurred to her.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“occur to” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

It occurred to me that I should bring an umbrella.

Example

The thought never occurred to her.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “occur to”?

Occur to someone that

Used to introduce the idea or thought that entered someone's mind.

Example

It occurred to him that he should apologize for his mistake.

It never occurred to me

Used to express that a thought or idea never entered one's mind.

Example

It never occurred to me that she might be lying.

Suddenly occurred to

Used to describe a sudden realization or understanding.

Example

It suddenly occurred to her that she left the stove on.

Good things to know

Does “occur to” have an informal or formal tone?

Occur to is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal writing or speech.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “occur to”?

Synonyms

• realize
• consider
• come to mind
• cross one's mind
• dawn on
• strike
• think of

Antonyms

• disregard
• ignore
• overlook
• miss
• forget
• neglect