C1
happen vs occur vs recur
The difference
| Word | Meaning | Goes with | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| happenverb/ˈhæp.ən/ | Meaning If something does this, it takes place, usually without being planned. | Goes with — | Example What will happen if I press this red button? |
| occurverb/əˈkɜːr/ | Meaning to happen, especially without being planned; also, of an idea, to come into your mind | Goes with occur to | Example Most accidents occur within a few kilometers of home. |
| recurverb/rɪˈkɜːr/ | Meaning to happen again, once or many times | Goes with prevent from recurring | Example Themes of loss and memory recur throughout the author's later novels. |
Which word fits?
1 of 8Pick the word for the gap. Its form may change in the sentence.
Headaches frequently in people who sleep badly.