Both verbs can describe an event taking place.
The idea
For events, ocurrir and suceder often overlap. An idea can occur to someone with ocurrírsele, while suceder a alguien means to succeed someone.
| Forma | Uso |
|---|---|
| ocurrir / suceder | un acontecimiento tiene lugar |
| ocurrírsele algo a alguien | una idea viene a la mente |
| suceder a alguien | ocupar su puesto después |
Examples
- El accidente ocurrió cerca del puente.The accident happened near the bridge.
- La reunión sucedió tal como esperábamos.The meeting happened just as we expected.
- ¿Qué ocurrió durante el concierto?What happened during the concert?
- Eso sucedió hace muchos años.That happened many years ago.
- A Lucía se le ocurrió una idea para el jardín.Lucía had an idea for the garden.
- La nueva directora sucedió a su padre en el cargo.The new director succeeded her father in the post.
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Watch out
Do not use suceder for an idea coming to mind, or assume that succession means an event happened.
Try it yourself
Complete the sentence as directed. Anoche ___ algo extraño en la biblioteca. Completa con el pretérito de ocurrir o suceder.
Show answer or example answer
ocurrió / sucedió
ocurrió / sucedió: either describes the strange event.
Complete the sentence as directed. A Mateo se le ___ una solución. Completa con el pretérito de ocurrir.
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ocurrió
ocurrió: the solution came to Mateo’s mind.
Complete the sentence as directed. La vicepresidenta ___ al presidente en el cargo. Completa con el pretérito de suceder.
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sucedió
sucedió: the vice president took over the office.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Spanish sentences where available. We keep your score.
Complete the sentence as directed. Anoche ___ algo extraño en la biblioteca. Completa con el pretérito de ocurrir o suceder.
Complete the sentence as directed. A Mateo se le ___ una solución. Completa con el pretérito de ocurrir.
Complete the sentence as directed. La vicepresidenta ___ al presidente en el cargo. Completa con el pretérito de suceder.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Complete the three sentences, paying attention to context.