Have you ever stopped while writing and wondered whether to use occurring or occuring? You are not alone. This spelling confusion is very common among English learners and even native speakers.
Both spellings look similar, which makes the choice confusing. However, only one form is correct in standard English. This problem usually happens because of English spelling rules for double letters.
In this article, I’ll explain occurring or occuring in a simple and clear way. By the end, you will know the correct spelling and use it confidently every time.
Occurring or Occuring: Quick Answer
The correct spelling is occurring.
The spelling occuring is incorrect and should not be used in standard English.
Examples:
- The meeting is occurring later today.
- Changes are occurring rapidly in the market.
- A strange event is occurring in the city.
In short, occurring is always the right choice.
The Origin of Occurring or Occuring
To understand why this spelling is tricky, let’s look at the origin of the word. The verb occur comes from Latin occurrere, meaning “to happen” or “to come into view.” Over time, it entered English and kept its original structure.
Now, here is where the confusion starts. In English, when you add -ing to a verb that ends with a single vowel followed by a consonant, you usually double the final consonant—if the stress is on the last syllable.
That is exactly what happens with occur:
- occur → occurring
Because of this rule, dropping one r and writing occuring is incorrect. Even though it looks simpler, it breaks a basic spelling rule.
British English vs American English Spelling
Unlike many other spelling issues, occurring does not change between British and American English. Both versions use the same spelling.
| Aspect | British English | American English |
|---|---|---|
| Correct spelling | occurring | occurring |
| Incorrect form | occuring | occuring |
| Meaning | happening | happening |
So, no matter where your audience is, occurring is the correct and safe spelling.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
The answer is simple: always use occurring.
- US audience: occurring
- UK audience: occurring
- Global or SEO writing: occurring
Using occuring may look careless or unprofessional, especially in academic writing, business content, blogs, or exams. Therefore, choosing occurring protects your credibility.
Common Mistakes with Occurring vs Occuring
Even good writers make mistakes with this word. Let’s look at the most common ones.
❌ Dropping one “r”
- Wrong: The problem is occuring again.
- Right: The problem is occurring again.
❌ Forgetting the doubling rule
Many learners forget that verbs like occur, refer, and admit double the last consonant before -ing.
❌ Assuming pronunciation decides spelling
Some people write occuring because they don’t hear the double r clearly. However, spelling rules matter more than sound.
Occurring or Occuring in Everyday Examples
Here’s how occurring is used naturally in daily life.
Emails
- “The issue is occurring on multiple devices.”
- “A delay is occurring due to weather conditions.”
News Headlines
- “Flooding is occurring across several regions.”
- “Major changes are occurring in the economy.”
Social Media
- “Why is this bug occurring again? 😩”
- “Big changes are occurring in my life!”
Formal Writing
- “The experiment shows reactions occurring at high temperatures.”
- “Errors were occurring during the data collection phase.”
Occurring or Occuring: Google Trends & Usage
Search behavior shows that many people type occurring or occuring because they are unsure about the spelling.
- Occurring is widely used in books, articles, academic papers, and news media.
- Occuring mostly appears in drafts, typing mistakes, or informal writing.
- Search engines and grammar tools clearly favor occurring as the correct form.
Therefore, from an SEO and writing quality perspective, occurring is always the better choice.
Comparison Table: Occurring or Occuring
| Word | Correct | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| occurring | ✅ Yes | Standard English |
| occuring | ❌ No | Common spelling mistake |
FAQs
1. Is occuring ever correct?
No. Occuring is always incorrect.
2. Why does occurring have two “r”s?
Because English doubles the final consonant when adding -ing to occur.
3. Is occurring used in both UK and US English?
Yes. Both use the same spelling.
4. Does pronunciation affect the spelling?
No. Spelling follows grammar rules, not sound.
5. Is occurring formal or informal?
It works in both formal and informal writing.
6. Can spellcheck catch occuring?
Sometimes, but not always. It’s best to know the rule.
7. How can I remember the correct spelling?
Remember: occur + ring = occurring (two rs stay).
Conclusion
The confusion between occurring or occuring is very common, but the rule behind it is simple. Occurring is the only correct spelling, and it follows a standard English rule about doubling consonants before -ing. On the other hand, occuring is just a spelling mistake.
Since both British and American English use occurring, you never have to change it for different audiences. Whether you are writing emails, academic work, blog posts, or professional content, using occurring will always be correct.
Once you understand this rule, you won’t hesitate again. The next time something is happening, changing, or developing, you can confidently write occurring and your writing will instantly look more polished and professional.
Read More:
Minuscule or Miniscule: Avoid the Common Mistake
Organizing or Organising: Meaning, Differences, and Examples
I am Sarah Hall, a dedicated English writer with a strong literary voice and a passion for precision in language.
I focus on crafting thoughtful, engaging content that combines clarity, originality, and professional depth.
Through my writing, I aim to inform, inspire, and leave a lasting impression on every reader.
