Recurring vs Reoccurring: When To Use Each One In Writing?

Have you ever wondered whether it’s recurring or reoccurring? Are they interchangeable? The answer is not as simple as you might think.

Recurring and reoccurring are both correct, but they have slightly different meanings. Recurring means happening repeatedly, while reoccurring means happening again, but not necessarily repeatedly.

For example, if you have a recurring meeting every Monday, it happens every week. If you have a reoccurring problem with your computer, it means the problem has happened before, but not necessarily on a regular basis.

In this article, we’ll explore the differences between recurring and reoccurring, and how to use them correctly in your writing.

Define Recurring

Recurring is an adjective that is used to describe something that happens repeatedly or occurs at regular intervals. It can refer to events, situations, or even payments. When something is recurring, it happens more than once, and there is a pattern to its occurrence.

For example, a recurring payment is a payment that is made on a regular basis, such as monthly or annually. Recurring events are those that happen at a set time or interval, such as a weekly staff meeting or an annual conference. Recurring situations are those that happen repeatedly, such as traffic congestion during rush hour or a child’s tantrums when they are tired.

Define Reoccurring

Reoccurring is a term that is often used interchangeably with recurring, but there is a subtle difference between the two. Reoccurring is an adjective that is used to describe something that happens again, but not necessarily at regular intervals.

For example, a reoccurring dream is a dream that happens repeatedly, but not necessarily on a regular basis. Reoccurring problems are those that keep happening again and again, but not necessarily at set intervals.

It is important to note that while recurring and reoccurring are similar in meaning, they are not always interchangeable. Recurring is often used to describe events or situations that happen at regular intervals, while reoccurring is used more broadly to describe anything that happens again and again, regardless of the pattern of its occurrence.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right word to use in a sentence is crucial to convey the intended meaning. Words that sound similar but have different spellings and meanings can be confusing, especially for non-native English speakers. In this section, we will discuss how to use the words recurring and reoccurring properly in a sentence.

How To Use “Recurring” In A Sentence

The word “recurring” is an adjective that describes something that happens repeatedly or at regular intervals. Here are some examples of how to use “recurring” in a sentence:

• She has a recurring dream about flying.
• The company has a recurring revenue stream from its subscription-based model.
• The recurring theme in his novels is the struggle for identity.

Note that “recurring” is often used in the context of describing events, patterns, or themes that happen repeatedly over time. It is not interchangeable with “reoccurring.”

How To Use “Reoccurring” In A Sentence

The word “reoccurring” is a verb that means to occur again or repeatedly. Here are some examples of how to use “reoccurring” in a sentence:

• The problem keeps reoccurring despite our best efforts to solve it.
• Her migraines have been reoccurring more frequently lately.
• The software glitch reoccurred after the update.

Notice that “reoccurring” is often used to describe something that happens again after a period of time, such as a problem, a symptom, or an issue that was thought to be resolved. It is not interchangeable with “recurring.”

More Examples Of Recurring & Reoccurring Used In Sentences

In order to understand the difference between recurring and reoccurring, it is important to see how they are used in sentences. Here are some examples of using recurring in a sentence:

• The company has a recurring revenue model that generates consistent income.
• She has a recurring dream about flying.
• The team has a recurring issue with communication.
• He has a recurring role in the television series.
• The movie has a recurring theme of love and loss.
• The restaurant has a recurring special on Wednesdays.
• She has a recurring appointment with her therapist every Friday.
• The band has a recurring gig at the local bar.
• He has a recurring nightmare about being chased.
• The book has a recurring motif of water throughout the story.

On the other hand, here are some examples of using reoccurring in a sentence:

• The problem is reoccurring and needs to be addressed.
• She has a reoccurring injury in her knee.
• The company has a reoccurring issue with their software.
• He has a reoccurring role in the Broadway show.
• The team has a reoccurring problem with their equipment.
• She has a reoccurring nightmare about falling.
• The restaurant has a reoccurring problem with their deliveries.
• He has a reoccurring dream about being lost.
• The movie has a reoccurring character that appears throughout the story.
• The book has a reoccurring theme of family throughout the plot.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words recurring and reoccurring, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these words have different meanings and should not be used in place of each other. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using Recurring Instead Of Reoccurring

Recurring refers to something that occurs repeatedly at fixed intervals. For example, a recurring meeting happens on a regular schedule, such as every Monday at 10am. On the other hand, reoccurring means something that happens again, but not necessarily on a fixed schedule. For instance, a reoccurring headache is one that comes back from time to time, but not necessarily at set intervals.

Therefore, using recurring instead of reoccurring can lead to confusion and miscommunication. For instance, saying “I have a recurring headache” implies that the headache happens on a fixed schedule, which may not be the case.

Using Reoccurring Instead Of Recurring

Conversely, using reoccurring instead of recurring can also lead to confusion. For example, saying “We have a reoccurring meeting every Monday” implies that the meeting happens on a random schedule, which may not be the case. Using recurring in this context would be more appropriate.

Tips To Avoid Confusing The Two Words

Here are some tips to help you avoid confusing the two words:

• Remember that recurring refers to something that happens on a fixed schedule, while reoccurring means something that happens again, but not necessarily on a set schedule.
• Think about the context in which you are using the word. If you are referring to something that happens at set intervals, use recurring. If you are referring to something that happens again, but not necessarily on a fixed schedule, use reoccurring.
• When in doubt, consult a dictionary to ensure you are using the correct word.

Context Matters

The choice between recurring and reoccurring can depend greatly on the context in which they are used. While the two words are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences that can affect the meaning of a sentence.

Recurring

Recurring is used to describe something that happens repeatedly, but with a clear pattern or interval between occurrences. It implies a sense of predictability and regularity.

For example, a company might have a recurring monthly meeting, or a television show might have a recurring guest star. In both cases, the event or person is expected to appear at regular intervals and is part of a larger pattern.

Reoccurring

Reoccurring, on the other hand, is used to describe something that happens repeatedly, but without a clear pattern or interval between occurrences. It implies a sense of randomness or unpredictability.

For example, a person might have reoccurring nightmares, or a city might experience reoccurring power outages. In both cases, the events happen repeatedly, but there is no set schedule or pattern to when they occur.

It’s important to note that while recurring and reoccurring have distinct meanings, they are often used interchangeably in casual conversation. However, in more formal or technical writing, it’s important to use the correct term to avoid confusion or ambiguity.

Context Examples

Context	Correct Word Choice	Explanation
Business Meetings	Recurring	A recurring meeting implies a scheduled, regular occurrence.
Nightmares	Reoccurring	A reoccurring nightmare implies a repeated, but unpredictable occurrence.
Power Outages	Reoccurring	A reoccurring power outage implies a repeated, but unpredictable occurrence.
Monthly Subscription	Recurring	A recurring subscription implies a scheduled, regular charge.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using recurring and reoccurring are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they might not apply. Here are some explanations and examples for each case:

1. Technical Terminology

In technical terminology, recurring and reoccurring can have different meanings. For instance, in computer programming, recurring refers to a process that repeats itself at regular intervals, while reoccurring refers to something that happens repeatedly but not necessarily at regular intervals.

Example: The recurring code runs every 24 hours, while the reoccurring error message appears randomly.

2. Regional Differences

There might be regional differences in the usage of recurring and reoccurring. In some countries, one term might be preferred over the other, or they might be used interchangeably.

Example: In British English, reoccurring is more commonly used than recurring.

3. Personal Preference

Finally, personal preference can also play a role in the usage of recurring and reoccurring. Some people might have a preference for one term over the other, or they might use them interchangeably without realizing it.

Example: The author of this article prefers to use recurring over reoccurring, but acknowledges that both terms are correct.

Overall, while the rules for using recurring and reoccurring are generally straightforward, it’s important to be aware of these exceptions to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have discussed the difference between recurring and reoccurring, it’s time to put our knowledge into practice. Below are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and usage of these two words.

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (recurring or reoccurring) to fill in the blank in each sentence below:

1. The company experienced ________ issues with their website, causing frustration for customers.
2. My favorite TV show has a ________ theme of friendship and loyalty.
3. The team’s ________ mistakes cost them the game.
4. She has a ________ appointment with her therapist every Tuesday.
5. The ________ donation drive was a huge success, raising over $10,000.

Answer Key:

1. recurring
2. recurring
3. recurring
4. reoccurring
5. reoccurring

Exercise 2: Sentence Writing

Write a sentence using each of the following words:

1. Recurring
2. Reoccurring

Answer Key:

1. My gym membership has a recurring fee that is automatically charged to my credit card every month.
2. My reoccurring nightmare always involves me being chased by a monster.

By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and application of recurring and reoccurring in your writing and communication.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between “recurring” and “reoccurring,” it is clear that these two words are not interchangeable. “Recurring” refers to something that happens repeatedly, while “reoccurring” refers to something that happens again after a period of absence.

It is important to use these words correctly in order to communicate effectively and avoid confusion. When in doubt, refer to a trusted grammar resource or consult a language expert.

To continue improving your grammar and language use, consider reading books on the subject, taking courses or workshops, or practicing with online exercises and quizzes.