What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
recur
Example
The issue of climate change continues to recur in political debates. [recur: verb]
Example
Her migraines have been recurring for years. [recurring: present participle]
Example
The same question kept recurring in my mind during the lecture. [recurring: gerund]
resurface
Example
The sunken ship finally resurfaced after years underwater. [resurfaced: past tense]
Example
The trauma from her childhood resurfaced during therapy. [resurfaced: past tense]
Example
The issue of police brutality resurfaced after the recent incident. [resurfaced: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Recur is more commonly used in formal or technical contexts, such as medical or scientific literature. Resurface is more common in everyday language and can be used in various contexts, including personal experiences, news, and entertainment.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between recur and resurface?
Recur is more formal than resurface, which is more casual and conversational. Therefore, recur is more appropriate for academic or professional writing, while resurface is suitable for informal or creative writing.
