occurs only vs only occurs

Both "occurs only" and "only occurs" are correct constructions, but they are used in different contexts. "Occurs only" is used when emphasizing that something happens exclusively in a particular way, while "only occurs" is used when highlighting that an action happens solely in a specific manner.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 2748 views

occurs only

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to emphasize that something happens exclusively in a particular way.

Use "occurs only" when you want to stress that an event or action happens solely in a specific manner, without any other possibilities.

Examples:

This phenomenon occurs only in the winter months.
The error occurs only when the system is under heavy load.

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As hydrolysis occurs only in certain cases, rules which indicate when verification of compliance to these group restrictions is needed should be added to Table 3.
C.2.2: The disease or condition for which the specific medicinal product or class is intended occurs only in adult populations
consequence of disturbances in fluid balance and occurs only at the start of treatment with somatropin and is dose-dependent.
Article 11(1)(b) of the paediatric regulation provides a specific ground for granting a waiver as the disease or condition for which the specific medicinal product or class is intended occurs only in adult populations.
Rabies occurs only in warmblooded animals.
I'm pretty sure this occurs only rarely in nature.
This process occurs only in the presence of air.
Superconductivity is a quantum state of matter, and it occurs only below a certain critical temperature.
Even the word 'simplification' occurs only in a few places in the text, with reference to cross-compliance rules.
Under Dutch law, tax consolidation occurs only in the case of a share ownership of 95 % or more.
whereas actual testing for conformity with European standards by independent bodies occurs only exceptionally,
However, where exceeding or falling below the thresholds occurs only occasionally within a given calendar year and such situations are considered as temporary the AIFM should not be obliged to make an application for authorisation.
However, on markets with structural over-capacity at world level such as the markets in flat products, maximum capacity utilisation occurs only exceptionally.
(ee) guaranteed variable remuneration is exceptional and occurs only in the context of hiring new staff and is limited to the first year;
And I find it only fair that if damage or loss sustained as a result of a defective product occurs only after ten years, the deadline for claims should be extended to 20 years.
Both parties to a forward contract have an obligation to perform at the agreed time, whereas performance under an option contract occurs only if and when the holder of the option chooses to exercise it.
In some cases (e.g. when toxicity occurs only at higher than the lowest insoluble concentration), it is advisable to test at more than one concentration with visible precipitation.
Is the prohibition of deterioration to be interpreted as meaning that deterioration of a body of groundwater occurs only if its status changes from good to bad?
The elogium occurs only once.
The thermal gap which occurs only during maturation has a positive influence on the synthesis of anthocyanins.

Alternatives:

only happens
takes place exclusively
solely occurs

only occurs

This phrase is also correct and commonly used in English to highlight that an action happens solely in a specific manner.

Use "only occurs" when you want to emphasize that an event or action happens exclusively in a particular way, without any other possibilities.