could happen with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could happen with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a possibility or likelihood of an event occurring in conjunction with something else. Example: "There are several factors that could happen with the implementation of this new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Anything could happen with these guys.

The New Yorker

Anything could happen with the milk money.

The New York Times

The same could happen with space tourism.

The New York Times

The same could happen with fees.

The Guardian

The same thing could happen with you".

The New York Times

"The same thing could happen with school choice.

The New York Times

"But that could happen with anybody at any time.

The Guardian

What's the worst that could happen with a monarchy?

The New York Times

"A lot more could happen with accommodation," he said.

The Guardian

Just as mobile phones have become status symbols, the same could happen with personal solar lamps.

The Economist

It could happen with some small publications, because they're short of resources.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could happen with", ensure the sentence clearly indicates the condition or factor that influences the potential outcome. This helps avoid ambiguity and provides context for the possibility being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "could happen with" in contexts where the relationship between the events is weak or unclear. This can lead to speculative statements that lack supporting evidence and weaken the overall argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could happen with" functions primarily as a modal phrase, indicating a potential or possible occurrence that is contingent upon or related to another event, condition, or factor. This is supported by Ludwig's examples showing it used to express possibilities in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could happen with" is a versatile expression used to indicate a potential event contingent on another factor. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse sources, particularly in news and media. While it's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it's essential to ensure the relationship between the events is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "might occur in conjunction with" or "may result from" can offer nuanced variations. Mastering the usage of "could happen with" enhances clarity and precision in conveying possibilities and contingencies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might occur in conjunction with

Replaces "could happen with" to emphasize the simultaneous occurrence of events, focusing on the association between them.

may come about alongside

Suggests a possible occurrence alongside something else, highlighting a parallel development or consequence.

might be expected in relation to

Indicates an expectation of an event occurring in relation to another, implying a predictive aspect.

can arise in connection with

Focuses on the potential for something to arise or emerge due to its connection with something else.

could be triggered by

Highlights the potential for an event to be initiated or caused by something else, emphasizing causality.

can be associated with

Emphasizes a correlation or link between two events, suggesting they often occur together.

may result from

Indicates a possible consequence or outcome resulting from a particular situation or action.

can develop as a consequence of

Highlights the development of an event as a direct result or outcome of something else.

is susceptible to

Indicates a vulnerability or likelihood for something to be affected or influenced by a particular factor.

is liable to occur due to

Suggests a probable occurrence caused by a specific reason or condition, emphasizing predictability.

FAQs

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

Use "could happen with" to indicate a possibility that is linked to another event or condition. For example, "That "could happen with the next version" of the software if the developers prioritize user feedback".

What are some alternatives to "could happen with"?

Alternatives include phrases like "might occur with", "may arise from", or "can result in", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "could happen with" and "might happen with"?

While both express possibility, "could" often implies a slightly higher chance or a broader range of potential circumstances, while "might" can suggest a more remote or uncertain possibility. The choice depends on the degree of likelihood you want to convey.

Can "could happen with" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "could happen with" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing potential outcomes or contingencies. However, ensure the sentence structure is clear and the connection between the events is well-defined to maintain precision and credibility.