can occur vs may occur

Both 'can occur' and 'may occur' are correct and commonly used phrases in English. They are interchangeable in most contexts, but 'may occur' can sometimes imply a higher level of possibility or permission compared to 'can occur.'

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 983 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"can occur"

The phrase 'can occur' is used to indicate that something is possible or able to happen.

Examples:

Accidents can occur at any time.
Errors can occur during the data transfer process.
Problems can occur if the software is not updated regularly.
Confusion can occur when instructions are unclear.
Delays can occur due to unforeseen circumstances.

Show examples from the web [+]

Hypertensive crisis with encephalopathy-like symptoms can occur.
Both generalised and localised infections can occur.
Sometimes a paradoxical increase of (total and LDL) cholesterol can occur in patients with hypertriglyceridaemia.
In dialysis patients with malignant hypertension and hypovolaemia, a marked decrease in blood pressure can occur.
However, relapse following seroconversion can occur.
Increases in heart rate can occur, particularly with higher doses.
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis and progression of scoliosis can occur in patients who experience rapid growth.
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis and progression of scoliosis can occur in patients who experience rapid growth.
They can occur in the very rare cases of IgA deficiency with anti-IgA antibodies.
At higher doses, moderate changes in aPTT can occur.
Hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions can occur.
Furthermore, patients and caregivers should be aware of the fact that behavioural changes can occur.
Patients should be informed that (mostly visual) hallucinations can occur.
This may be a sign of bowel inflammation which can occur following treatment with antibiotics.
At high doses and after prolonged utilization, brain function impairment can occur.
Perioperative acute hypertension can occur if volatile halogenated anaesthetics are used during treatment with indirect sympathomimetic agents.
A temporary swelling at the injection site can occur but resolves without intervention.
Additionally, hypokalaemia can occur and potassium replacement should be considered.
This can occur more often if you suffer from disorders of your facial nerves.
Thus, it appears that the conversion of fosaprepitant to aprepitant can occur in multiple tissues.

Alternatives:

might occur
could occur
is able to occur
is possible to occur
is likely to occur

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"may occur"

The phrase 'may occur' is used to indicate that something is possible or permitted to happen.

Examples:

Rain may occur later in the day.
Technical issues may occur during the live broadcast.
Changes in the schedule may occur without prior notice.
Errors in the calculations may occur if the formula is not applied correctly.
Security breaches may occur if proper precautions are not taken.

Show examples from the web [+]

Refraction anomalies may occur upon initiation of insulin therapy.
During administration of micafungin, anaphylactoid reactions including shock may occur.
Oedema may occur upon initiation of insulin therapy.
Changes of body fat may occur in patients receiving combination antiretroviral therapy.
Mydriasis may occur in association with venlafaxine.
Transient hyperthermia may occur post the second dose.
Cross resistance may occur with other macrolides.
Pseudomembranous colitis may occur with most antibiotics including Tygacil.
- Allergy-like reactions may occur after use of Gadograf.
This may occur due to you suddenly stopping lamivudine.
AZARGA is absorbed systemically and therefore this may occur with topical administration.
Serious allergic reactions may occur following the administration of proteins.
These side effects may occur when using Zenapax.
Temodal monotherapy in recurrent or progressive glioma The following side effects may occur, and may require medical attention.
The following side effects may occur, and may require medical attention.
As with any exogenous protein administration, local or systemic allergic reactions may occur.
As with any insulin therapy, lipodystrophy may occur at the injection site and delay local insulin absorption.
Therefore, sensitisation reactions may occur.
If you take less Humalog than you need, a high blood sugar may occur.
In combination with anaesthesia and tumour resection further side effects may occur:

Alternatives:

could occur
might occur
is permitted to occur
is possible to occur
is likely to occur

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

can occur vs may occur

"can occur"

"may occur"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text