Learn B2 C1 English Vocabulary with our Vocab Rehab posts.
Occur, happen, take place
Yes, all of these expressions mean to exist or come into existence, but there are times when it is more appropriate to say one verses the other.
Happen
- to come into existence (usually less formal that the other two expressions)
- I think anything could happen in the next few days.
- The funniest thing happened to me the other day while I was at work.
- To ask questions – translated into Spanish, it would be ¿Qué pasó? or ¿Que occure? But, in English it would be too formal to say ‘What occurred?’ or ¿What has taken place? so, when you want to know about a situation, we say ‘What happened?’
- to express that something happened unexpectedly or by accident:
- I was minding my own business and just happened to see $100 on the ground.
- I just happened to over hear them speaking about the strike.
- to politely ask if someone knows something?
- Did you happen to see anything?
- Did you happen to speak to Maria about the party?
Occur
- to happen, to come into existence (especially accidents or unexpected events)
- A fatal shooting occurred yesterday outside the city. (here you could also use take place)
- If any of the symptoms occur while on this medication, please contact your doctor.
- To exist
- Wildfires seem to occur more and more frequently these days. (You could use both happen and take place here)
- His medical condition seems to occur only in older men.
- to occur to somebody – to talk about something that has come to your mind
- It occurred to me yesterday that I have been working here for over 10 years.
- It finally occurred to Brian that she may not be interested in dating him.
Take place
- To occur, to exist
- This book I am reading takes place during the middle ages.
- The film festival takes place every year in Vitoria-Gasteiz
Now that you have learned about these B2 C1 English vocabulary words, take a look at our other Vocab Rehabs:
Vocab Rehab: False friends
Vocab Rehab: Feelings and Emotions
