What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
happened
Example
I happened to run into my old friend at the grocery store. [happened: verb]
Example
It just so happened that I had an extra ticket to the concert. [happened: past tense]
occurred
Example
The accident occurred at the intersection of Main Street and Elm Street. [occurred: verb]
Example
The idea for the project occurred to me while I was on vacation. [occurred: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Happened is more commonly used in everyday language than occurred. Happened is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while occurred is less common and is typically used in more formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between happened and occurred?
Occurred is generally considered more formal than happened, which is more casual and conversational. Therefore, occurred is more appropriate in formal writing or professional settings, while happened is more suitable for informal conversations or everyday language.
