Using the wrong mood after doubt

You use 'ocurra' (the present subjunctive) when you express feelings, doubts, or wishes about something happening, especially after verbs like 'esperar' (to hope) or 'dudar' (to doubt).

The Special 'Subjunctive' Form

Often, 'ocurrir' refers to events, so it’s usually used in the third person singular ('él/ella/usted' form), referring to the event itself, as in 'que ocurra un milagro' (that a miracle happens).

Impersonal Use

If the happening is uncertain, desired, or contingent on something else, you need 'ocurra'. If you are stating a fact ('It happens every day'), use the indicative: 'ocurre'.

Focus on Uncertainty

A very common verb used to talk about events, but this specific form ('ocurra') is used in special contexts involving wishes, doubts, or possibilities.

Forgetting the 'Se'

When talking about ideas, 'ocurrir' needs the reflexive pronoun 'se' plus the indirect object pronoun ('le', 'me', 'te', etc.) to show who the idea came to. The idea itself is the subject, so we use 'ocurra' (singular).

The 'Se Le Ocurra' Structure

This meaning almost always uses the subjunctive ('ocurra') because it follows expressions of opinion, denial, or doubt, such as 'No creo que...' (I don't believe that...).

Subjunctive for Opinion

Think of this structure like the verb 'gustar' (to like). The idea is the thing that 'happens' to the person (le/me/te).

Similar to 'Gustar'

Common in conversational Spanish, specifically when talking about ideas or thoughts popping into one's head.

Learn the Spanish verb form 'ocurra,' the present subjunctive of 'ocurrir' (to happen). Understand its use for expressing doubt, desire, or when an idea 'comes to mind.' Includes full conjugation.

ocurra

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations