[Idiom] take place

[inase]

Are these three sentences sound natural? It seems "occur" should be used in Sentences 2 and 3 instead of "take place."

1. A great fire took place in Chicago in 1871.
2. A wildfire seldom takes place in our neighborhood.
3. A forest fire often takes places in those mountains.

Inase

 

[probus]

To me "take place" is just an idiomatic equivalent of "occur". Therefore all three seem right to me.

 

[emsr2d2]

I'd start 2 and 3 with a plural noun and no article (and obviously change the relevant verb afterwards).

I'm not very keen on using "take place" in the original contexts. I tend to use it for planned events ("A food festival will take place next week in my local park"). I would use "happen/occur" in your examples.

 

[Rover_KE]

[STRIKE]Are[/STRIKE] Do these three sentences sound natural? It seems "occur" should be used in sentences 2 and 3 instead of "take place."

Please note my corrections.