but it does happen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but it does happen" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to acknowledge that something may be unlikely or unexpected, but it can still occur. Example: "Many people believe that such events are rare, but it does happen from time to time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it does happen now and then.

The New York Times

But it does happen here.

The New York Times

But it does happen, every single day.

The Guardian

I apologized profusely, but it does happen".

The New York Times

I know that's hard to believe, but it does happen.

Princeton University

Not with our guys, but it does happen.

The New York Times

But it does happen in the end," he said.

The Guardian - Business

This can take years, but it does happen.

The Washington Post

We never lost a call, but it does happen.

The New York Times - Tech

But it does happen, and volunteering can smooth the way.

The New York Times

It's still a very rare occurrence but it does happen.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but it does happen" to acknowledge an exception or possibility that contradicts a general expectation. It adds a layer of realism and acknowledgment to your writing, suggesting awareness of nuances.

Common error

While acceptable, repeatedly using "but it does happen" can make your writing sound less sophisticated in formal contexts. Consider using synonyms like "however, it occurs" or "nevertheless, it materializes" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but it does happen" functions as a concessive conjunction, acknowledging a previous statement or expectation before introducing a contrasting reality. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's used to introduce something that occurs despite being unexpected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but it does happen" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to acknowledge that something can occur despite expectations or general assumptions. As Ludwig AI validates, its primary function is to qualify statements and introduce exceptions. While it appears most frequently in News & Media and Academic writing, its neutral register allows for broad applicability. When aiming for a more formal tone, consider using synonyms like "however it occurs" or "nevertheless it materializes". The phrase adds realism and nuance to your writing, demonstrating awareness of potential exceptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, it occurs

Replaces the conjunction and verb phrase with a more formal alternative.

yet, it transpires

Uses a different conjunction and a slightly more sophisticated verb.

still, it comes to pass

Employs 'still' and a more literary way of saying 'happens'.

even so, it unfolds

Similar to 'however' but with a focus on the progression of events.

nevertheless, it materializes

A more formal substitute, stressing the realization of something.

nonetheless, it takes place

A formal alternative focusing on the action of happening.

even then, it arises

Suggests something emerges despite preceding circumstances.

all the same, it emerges

Emphasizes that something happens regardless of what has been said.

be that as it may, it arises

A more formal and complex way of saying 'despite this, it happens'.

despite everything, it transpires

Highlights that something happens against all odds.

FAQs

What does "but it does happen" mean?

The phrase "but it does happen" is used to acknowledge that something occurs, even if it is rare, unexpected, or contradicts a general assumption. It implies that while something may not be the norm, it is still a possibility.

How can I use "but it does happen" in a sentence?

You can use "but it does happen" to introduce a contrasting idea or an exception to a rule. For example: "Many believe that such accidents are rare, "but it does happen" from time to time."

Are there more formal alternatives to "but it does happen"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "however it occurs", "nevertheless it materializes", or "nonetheless it takes place", depending on the desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to use "but it does happen"?

Yes, the phrase "but it does happen" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English to acknowledge a possibility or occurrence, despite expectations to the contrary.