could never happen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could never happen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express disbelief or skepticism about the possibility of a certain event or situation occurring. Example: "The idea that aliens would land on Earth and be friendly is something I believe could never happen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It could never happen.

The New York Times

But that could never happen.

The New York Times

It could never happen, right?

The New York Times

This could never happen".

The New York Times

Could never happen.

The Guardian - Sport

Thank God that could never happen today.

The New York Times

Such things could never happen".

The New York Times

"How?" "It could never happen.

The New Yorker

That could never happen today".

The Guardian - Sport

Now that could never happen in America.

The Economist

Of course it could never happen here.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could never happen" to express strong disbelief or to reassure someone that a negative outcome is unlikely. It's especially effective when countering fears or anxieties.

Common error

While "could never happen" is useful, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Over-reliance on this phrase can make your language sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "is simply not possible" or "is out of the question" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could never happen" functions as an assertion of impossibility or strong improbability. Ludwig confirms its correct usage and wide applicability across various contexts. It is often used to reassure or express disbelief.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could never happen" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to convey a strong sense of impossibility or improbability. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and versatility. It is most commonly found in News & Media, with a presence in Academic contexts as well. When writing, it's best to use this phrase to express disbelief or to reassure someone about a very unlikely negative outcome, while avoiding overuse to maintain stylistic variety. Synonyms like "is simply not possible" or "is out of the question" can provide effective alternatives. This phrase serves to dismiss concern or uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is simply not possible

Emphasizes impossibility with a straightforward declaration.

is out of the question

Indicates that something is not allowed or considered.

has no chance of occurring

Focuses on the lack of probability of an event.

is beyond the realm of possibility

Highlights the extreme unlikelihood of something.

will not come to pass

A more formal way of saying something will not happen.

is entirely unrealistic

Points out the lack of realism in a scenario.

is just not going to happen

An informal and emphatic way to express impossibility.

is a pipe dream

Suggests that something is an unattainable fantasy.

is wishful thinking

Implies that a belief is based on desire rather than reality.

is like pigs flying

Uses a common idiom to express extreme improbability.

FAQs

How can I use "could never happen" in a sentence?

You can use "could never happen" to express disbelief or certainty that something will not occur. For example, "I thought that winning the lottery "could never happen" to me, but I was wrong."

What are some alternatives to "could never happen"?

Alternatives include "is impossible", "will never occur", or "is out of the question". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "could never happen"?

Yes, "could never happen" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English syntax and is widely used in both formal and informal contexts.

What's the difference between "could never happen" and "is unlikely to happen"?

"Could never happen" implies a higher degree of certainty than "is unlikely to happen". The former suggests near or complete impossibility, while the latter simply indicates a low probability.