The phrasal verb "occur to" is predominantly used in informal speech and writing, often appearing in casual conversations or media to express the idea of an idea, thought, or realization coming suddenly to someone. It is typically employed when describing a moment of realization or when an idea presents itself without premeditation. For example, one might say, "It just occurred to me that we have a meeting tomorrow," indicating a spontaneous or sudden remembrance. While it can appear in more formal contexts, such as reports or essays, it tends to be used less frequently, as formal writing often favors more direct verbs like "realize" or "recognize." The phrase is versatile and commonly paired with personal pronouns such as "it," "me," or "you," to signify the subject to whom the thought has occurred.
B2
UpperIntermediate
1. To come into someone's mind as a thought or idea.
It suddenly occurred to her that she had left the keys at home.