The phrase often describes thoughts or ideas that appear spontaneously, without active thinking.

Unplanned Thoughts

Use 'occur to' when describing a moment of inspiration or a creative spark.

Inspiration Moment

Use 'occur to' for personal realizations not necessarily obvious to others.

Highlights a process of realization about a fact or situation that wasn't clear at first.

The understanding or realization can have a strong emotional impact when it 'occurs to' someone.

Indicates an evolving understanding that becomes clear over time, not immediately.