as it happens

USAGE SUMMARY

"as it happens" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is happening, or has happened, unexpectedly, as an aside to the main part of the conversation. For example: "I was going to study for my test tonight, but as it happens, I'm feeling too tired to do it tonight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As it happens, yes.

The New York Times

Yes, as it happens.

The New York Times - Books

True, as it happens!

The New York Times - Books

Both, as it happens.

The Economist

Plenty, as it happens.

The Economist

As it happens, no.

The New Yorker

Easily, as it happens.

The Economist

As it happens, plenty.

The New York Times

Nothing, as it happens.

The New York Times - Food

Acting, too, as it happens.

Independent

(Hickory-smoked, as it happens).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as it happens" to introduce a piece of information that is relevant but perhaps unexpected in the current context. It can soften the introduction of potentially surprising or contrasting details.

Common error

Avoid using "as it happens" excessively in formal or academic writing, as it can come across as too casual. Opt for more formal alternatives like "incidentally" or "it so happens that" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as it happens" functions as an adverbial, modifying a clause or sentence to introduce a piece of information that is coincidental or unexpected. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates that something is occurring, or has occurred, unexpectedly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as it happens" is a common and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to introduce coincidental or unexpected information. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, and the examples show its widespread use across various news and media sources. While versatile, it's best to consider more formal alternatives in academic or professional contexts to maintain an appropriate tone. Use it to add an element of surprise or relevance to your writing, but be mindful of overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it so happens that

A more formal variation, adding emphasis to the unexpected nature of the event and slightly altering the sentence structure.

by chance

Emphasizes the role of luck or random occurrence, differing from "as it happens" which can also imply a fortunate coincidence.

coincidentally

Highlights the simultaneous occurrence of events, while "as it happens" can introduce a single, unexpected event.

incidentally

Indicates that something is mentioned as a minor or additional point, differing slightly from the introductory nature of "as it happens".

by a fluke

Suggests an accidental or improbable event, carrying a stronger connotation of randomness than "as it happens".

unexpectedly

Focuses on the surprise element of the event, but lacks the conversational flow often associated with "as it happens".

serendipitously

Implies a fortunate and unexpected discovery, lending a more positive tone compared to the neutral "as it happens".

fortuitously

Emphasizes the accidental and beneficial nature of the event, offering a more positive spin than the more neutral "as it happens".

as luck would have it

Directly attributes the event to good fortune or luck, a sentiment not always present in "as it happens".

as things turned out

Refers to a final outcome or result, whereas "as it happens" typically introduces an immediate or present occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "as it happens" in a sentence?

You can use "as it happens" to introduce something that is unexpectedly true or relevant to the current conversation. For example, "I was just thinking about pizza, and "as it happens", I have a coupon for a local pizzeria."

What are some alternatives to "as it happens"?

Some alternatives to "as it happens" include "by chance", "coincidentally", or "incidentally". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "as it happens" formal or informal?

"As it happens" is generally considered to be somewhat informal. While acceptable in many contexts, it may be more appropriate to use more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "as it happens" and "incidentally"?

Both "as it happens" and "incidentally" introduce related but somewhat unexpected information. "As it happens" often feels more conversational and spontaneous, while "incidentally" can sound slightly more deliberate.