Occurrence vs. Occurence
The standard spelling is “occurrence,” with double c and double r. “Occurence” is a common misspelling and should normally be corrected in edited English.
Use “occurrence,” with double c and double r. “Occurence” is a misspelling.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Form | Status | What to remember |
|---|---|---|
| occurrence | standard spelling | Double c and double r. |
| occurence | misspelling | Add the second r: occurrence. |
Quick tests
Double-letter check
Does the word have both “cc” and “rr”?
If yes: The spelling pattern matches “occurrence.”
If no: Check for the common missing-r spelling “occurence.”
Caveat: This test applies to the noun “occurrence.”
Examples
The report describes each occurrence separately.
“Occurrence” has double c and double r.
The report describes each occurence separately.
Better: The report describes each occurrence separately.
“Occurence” omits one r.
Further guidance
Memory Boundary
The spelling preserves double c from “occur” and also uses double r before “-ence”: occurrence.
Standard Form
Cambridge records the headword “occurrence.”
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Occurrence — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Dictionary evidence for the standard spelling occurrence.