What's the Difference Between 'Recur' and 'Reoccur'?
In this blog post we look at when to use recur and when to use reoccur.
'Recur' or 'Reoccur'?
The words "recur" and "reoccur" are similar and related words, but they have slightly different meanings that should be understood to correctly convey the intended meaning.
"Recur" refers to an event or situation that happens repeatedly over time, implying a pattern of regularity.
For example, "The headache recurs every week." In this sentence, the word "recurs" suggests that the headache happens frequently and at regular intervals.
On the other hand, "reoccur" simply means to happen again, without implying any specific pattern or frequency.
For example, "The headache reoccurred after several months of being gone." This sentence conveys that the headache happened again, but does not specify how often it happens or whether it will happen again in the future.
It is important to understand the difference between these two words because the context of their use can greatly affect the meaning and interpretation of the sentence.
For example, if you wanted to convey that an event is happening repeatedly and with a specific frequency, you would use the word "recur."
On the other hand, if you simply wanted to convey that an event has happened again, you would use the word "reoccur."
In conclusion, "recur" and "reoccur" are similar in that they both refer to an event happening again, but "recur" implies a pattern of regularity, while "reoccur" only conveys that the event has happened again, without specifying any pattern.
When choosing between these two words, it is important to consider the intended meaning and context in which the word will be used.
Here are some example sentences to illustrate the difference between “recur” and “reoccur”:
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"The migraine recurs every month like clockwork." - In this sentence, "recurs" suggests that the migraine happens on a regular basis, and with a specific frequency (every month).
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"The headache reoccurred after a stressful meeting." - In this sentence, "reoccurred" simply means that the headache happened again, without implying any specific pattern or frequency.
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"The seasonal allergy symptoms recur every spring." - In this sentence, "recur" implies that the allergy symptoms happen every spring, in a regular and predictable pattern.
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"The power outage reoccurred in the neighborhood." - In this sentence, "reoccurred" means that the power outage happened again, but does not imply any specific frequency or pattern.
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"The financial crisis recurred every few years." - In this sentence, "recurred" suggests that the financial crisis happens repeatedly, and with a specific frequency (every few years).
