changes could happen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "changes could happen" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the possibility of changes occurring in a given situation or context. Example: "Due to the ongoing negotiations, changes could happen in the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

We respected the role of the government in our lives, but we agreed that changes were needed and believed those changes could happen peacefully.

The Washington Post

"This was Jamal: He had a never-ending hope that changes could happen, and that Arabs could lead the way," said Maggie Mitchell Salem, a former State Department official and Middle East specialist who became a lifelong friend.

The Washington Post

Managers at the most senior level in the NHS have been told changes could happen within the next two years.

BBC

These effects may not be negligible during the synchronization phase when load changes could happen in the middle of a pulse thus leading to pulse distortion.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

We diagnosed the subjects with migraine and TTH during the last year, whereas the questioned hormonal changes could happen at any time or even many years before.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Walker estimated that these changes could happen by 2030 or 2040.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Keret's forwarded email addresses an unknown man named Pierre, a potential collaborator who seems to have dropped out of a project: "Although I do not know much about the exact reasons for that I have been publishing books long enough to know that it is a very fluid and ever-changing sphere of creation and that there are countless reasons why such a change could happen".

Los Angeles Times

Change could happen as unexpectedly as it did in 1989.

The Economist

The ice core records in Greenland proved that change could happen quickly.

Columbia University

When this happens, change could happen faster than any of us can imagine.

Independent

This change could happen within a decade and persist for hundreds of years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "changes could happen" to introduce a possibility of adjustments or modifications, especially when discussing future plans, potential outcomes, or uncertain situations. It's suitable for expressing a moderate level of likelihood.

Common error

Avoid using "changes could happen" when you need to convey a high degree of certainty. In such cases, opt for stronger phrasing like "changes will happen" or "changes are guaranteed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "changes could happen" functions as a statement of possibility or potential. It indicates that alterations or modifications are not certain but are within the realm of what might occur. Ludwig AI shows it's a common phrase across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "changes could happen" is a versatile phrase used to express the possibility of future modifications or adjustments. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While it effectively communicates uncertainty, it's essential to avoid overstating certainty by using stronger phrases when necessary. Related alternatives such as "changes might occur" or "modifications are possible" can be employed to fine-tune the intended meaning. Overall, "changes could happen" serves as a useful tool for managing expectations and acknowledging the potential for alterations in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

changes might occur

Uses "might" instead of "could", indicating a slightly lower probability.

alterations may arise

Employs more formal vocabulary like "alterations" and "arise".

modifications are possible

Replaces the verb phrase with a simpler adjective construction.

adjustments can take place

Uses "adjustments" as a noun and "take place" as a more formal verb.

revisions may transpire

Uses "revisions" and the more formal verb "transpire".

developments could unfold

Employs "developments" and a more figurative verb "unfold".

transformation is conceivable

Focuses on "transformation" as a more significant change.

a shift may materialize

Highlights a "shift" as a directional change becoming real.

things might be subject to change

This is a more verbose alternative, expressing conditionality.

the situation is fluid

This conveys that changes are likely due to the instability of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "changes could happen" in a sentence?

You can use "changes could happen" to indicate a possibility of modifications or adjustments. For example, "Due to the ongoing negotiations, changes could happen in the project timeline".

What phrases are similar to "changes could happen"?

Similar phrases include "changes might occur", "alterations may arise", or "modifications are possible" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Which is correct, "changes could happen" or "changes will happen"?

"Changes could happen" indicates a possibility, while "changes will happen" expresses certainty. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the level of assurance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "changes could happen" and "changes are happening"?

"Changes could happen" refers to potential future modifications, whereas "changes are happening" indicates that modifications are currently in progress.