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Confusing verbs/aide
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Message de syro posté le 03-02-2018 à 01:35:04 (S | E | F)
Hello
I'd like to know how we can use these verbs: happen occur take place,as they have the same meaning.
Thank you for your help.
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Modifié par lucile83 le 03-02-2018 08:28
Message de syro posté le 03-02-2018 à 01:35:04 (S | E | F)
Hello
I'd like to know how we can use these verbs: happen occur take place,as they have the same meaning.
Thank you for your help.
-------------------
Modifié par lucile83 le 03-02-2018 08:28
Réponse : Confusing verbs/aide de dsmith, postée le 03-02-2018 à 16:39:20 (S | E)
Hello,
There are subtle differences but mostly the words are synonyms. I have read several explanations about the difference between these words and I have seen contradictory explanations.
There are some cases where one is commonly used and not the other.
"A thought just occured to me" -> you would never say "A thought just happened to me"
Occur refers to something coming into being.
Happen means to take place. Often for something random. Also happen is the one usually used in a question. "What happened?"
Also note the word recur -> to occur again, usually something expected.
I suggest you use occur in more formal contexts.
Use happen in informal contexts and often something that wasn't expected. The earthquake happened suddenly this morning around 5:30am. But you can use "occurred" and "took place" here and it wouldn't be wrong. If a scientest were to say it, she probably would use the more formal "occurred". The earthquake occured at 5:32am this morning.
"Take place" usually is used instead of the others for events that are planned
The final exams take place in May each year
When trying to become fluent...common word colocations are important to learn. These are not based on rules but common usage. I believe this is true of the use of these words, while similar and interchangeable, one may be used more commonly than another in a certain context.
For example:
"Stuff Happens" is commonly used. And a popular phrase replaces the more vulgar term sh%t for stuff. You would never say "Stuff occurs" or "stuff takes place". Again this is why we say "happen" is more informal.
There is not an exact rule for everything in English.
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I hope this helps.
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