how things will shake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how things will shake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express uncertainty about the outcome of a situation or event. Example: "We can only wait and see how things will shake after the negotiations are complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But big questions remain about how things will shake out.

The New Yorker

And just when you think you know how things will shake out, you're proved wrong.

The New York Times - Arts

He acknowledges, though, that it's still too early to tell how things will shake out once it starts taking $3 a month out of people's savings.

TechCrunch

In the short term, Apple's entry will definitely be a general boon to the wearable industry as a whole, but it's unclear yet just how things will shake out for competing devices in the long run.

TechCrunch

While we don't know how things will shake out, the results matter.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Who knows how things will turn out?

BBC

Temporal data is data about, not just how things are right now, but also about how things used to be and how things will become or might become.

Managing Time in Relational Databases How to Design, Update and Query Temporal Data

The polls predict a slender but clear majority for the Coalition, but the polls cannot accurately predict how minor parties will shake things up.

The Guardian

It's too early to say how this will shake out, but two things are already clear.

Huffington Post

Who knows how anything will shake out domestically anymore?

Vice

No one is certain how the court will rule, or how the politics will shake out in the aftermath.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "how things will shake" when you want to convey a sense of uncertainty about the future, particularly in situations where multiple factors are at play and the outcome is difficult to predict. It is particularly suitable for informal or conversational writing.

Common error

Avoid using "how things will shake" in highly formal or technical contexts where a more direct and precise expression of uncertainty is preferable. For example, instead of saying "We are unsure how things will shake out with the new algorithm" in a technical report, opt for "We are uncertain about the algorithm's performance" to ensure clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how things will shake" functions as an idiomatic expression, serving as a noun phrase expressing uncertainty or anticipation about the future. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct. The phrase often introduces a clause that discusses potential outcomes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "how things will shake" is a grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to convey uncertainty or anticipation about a future outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is acceptable for use, although more common in informal and news-related contexts than in formal or scientific writing. Alternatives like "how things will turn out", "how things will unfold", and "how things will pan out" can offer more precise or formal alternatives. While generally considered acceptable, be mindful of your audience and context when deciding whether to use this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how things will turn out

Focuses on the eventual result or outcome, implying a process of development.

how things will unfold

Suggests a gradual revelation of events, emphasizing the sequence of occurrences.

how things will pan out

Emphasizes a final arrangement or settlement, suggesting a resolution to a complex situation.

how the chips will fall

Implies that the outcome is a matter of chance or luck, similar to a game.

what the outcome will be

Directly addresses the final result, lacking the idiomatic nuance of the original phrase.

how the situation will resolve itself

Focuses on the process of resolution, often implying minimal intervention.

how events will transpire

Suggests a formal or historical recounting of occurrences.

what the consequences will be

Highlights the results or effects of an action or event.

how the matter will be settled

Focuses specifically on the resolution of a dispute or problem.

what will come of this

Expresses a general sense of curiosity or concern about future developments.

FAQs

What does the phrase "how things will shake" mean?

The phrase "how things will shake" is an idiomatic expression used to describe the uncertain outcome of a situation. It implies a sense of anticipation or curiosity about what will happen.

Is "how things will shake" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "how things will shake" is generally more suitable for informal or conversational contexts. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "how things will turn out" or "what the outcome will be".

What are some alternatives to "how things will shake"?

You can use alternatives such as "how things will unfold", "how things will pan out", or "what the consequences will be" depending on the context.

When is it best to use the phrase "how things will shake"?

It's best to use "how things will shake" when you want to express a sense of anticipation or uncertainty about the results of a situation. It's particularly appropriate in informal conversations, news reporting, and general discussions about future events.