occur
verb (used without object)
to happen; take place; come to pass.
have occurred
-
present perfectof occur.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Genetic family tree studies show that such transfers have occurred, but scientists have generally assumed that jumping genes traveled as passengers inside plasmids or viruses.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 5, 2026
Past outbreaks have occurred when people consumed fruits or vegetables irrigated with water contaminated by faeces.
From BBC ● Aug. 3, 2026
There is, however, a distinction between investigating whether a laboratory accident might have occurred and claiming that scientists created a virus and intentionally released it.
From Salon ● Aug. 2, 2026
Of the measles cases reported nationally this year, 93% have occurred among people who were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status, the CDC said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2026
It could have occurred anywhere we might have been living; I had reached the age.
From "Farewell to Manzanar" by Jeanne Houston
