as sometimes happens

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as sometimes happens" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a situation or occurrence is not uncommon or is a typical occurrence in certain contexts. Example: "The project faced several unexpected challenges, as sometimes happens in complex undertakings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But as sometimes happens, a house found them.

The New York Times

As sometimes happens in the music business, the ride eventually became less pleasant.

The New York Times - Arts

But as sometimes happens in recovery, they can start to come out of the cave, too.

The New York Times

Rejection can occur if, as sometimes happens, blood vessels grow into the graft.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But now, as sometimes happens in journalism, the source has become the story.

The New York Times

But, as sometimes happens in such situations, she was too cautious.

The New York Times

And it is frankly bizarre when, as sometimes happens, complement turns against the body's own tissues.

The Economist

As sometimes happens, the limitations of the medium amplify the message: wives are people who disappear.

The New Yorker

As sometimes happens, the treatment of one disease can cause another.

The New York Times - Health

And, as sometimes happens, the couple's absence from one another turned up the heat.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Of course, as sometimes happens as a result of crisis, Europe might be jolted into taking the next step toward even greater political and economic integration.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as sometimes happens", ensure that the context clearly indicates what 'sometimes' refers to. Clarity is key to avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "as sometimes happens" in close proximity. This can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as sometimes happens" functions as an adverbial clause, modifying the main clause by providing context about the frequency or likelihood of an event. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows the phrase introducing explanations or softening statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as sometimes happens" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to indicate that a situation is not unusual. As verified by Ludwig AI, it functions as an adverbial clause, modifying the main clause by providing context about the likelihood of an event. Its register is typically neutral, making it suitable for various contexts. While it's most common in news and media, it's also present in scientific and encyclopedic sources. The phrase is best used to soften the impact of a statement or add realism by acknowledging that certain events occur periodically. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase and ensure that the context remains clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as is sometimes the case

Replaces "happens" with "is the case", focusing on the state or situation rather than the action.

as occasionally occurs

Substitutes "happens" with "occurs" and "sometimes" with "occasionally", slightly altering the tone and formality.

as it occasionally happens

Adds "it" for emphasis, creating a slightly more formal tone while keeping the core meaning intact.

as can happen from time to time

Replaces "sometimes" with "from time to time", emphasizing the sporadic nature of the event.

as might occur

Uses "might occur" to suggest possibility rather than certainty, subtly shifting the nuance.

as it may happen

Introduces a sense of possibility and slight uncertainty regarding the occurrence.

as transpires on occasion

Replaces "happens" with "transpires", giving a more formal or literary feel, and "sometimes" with "on occasion".

as it unfolds periodically

Uses "unfolds periodically" to emphasize the unfolding nature of events over time, changing the focus slightly.

as things occasionally turn out

Shifts the focus to the outcome or result, implying a sequence of events leading to an occasional conclusion.

as circumstances sometimes dictate

Highlights that external circumstances influence the event, adding a layer of causation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "as sometimes happens" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "as is sometimes the case" or "as occasionally occurs". These options provide a similar meaning with a slightly elevated register.

What's a more casual alternative to "as sometimes happens"?

In a casual setting, you might say "as can happen" or "like it sometimes does". These alternatives maintain the meaning while being less formal.

Is it correct to say "as sometime happens" instead of "as sometimes happens"?

No, the correct phrase is "as sometimes happens". Using "sometime" instead of "sometimes" changes the meaning and makes the sentence grammatically incorrect. "Sometimes" is an adverb of frequency, while "sometime" refers to an unspecified point in time.

How does the phrase "as sometimes happens" affect the tone of a sentence?

The phrase "as sometimes happens" can soften the impact of a statement by suggesting that the event or situation being described is not unusual. It can also add a touch of realism or resignation, acknowledging that certain things occur from time to time.