if it happens to be

USAGE SUMMARY

"if it happens to be" is a perfectly valid and correct phrase in written English.
It means (roughly) "in the event that" or "if it turns out to be the case". For example: "If it happens to be a sunny day tomorrow, we should go for a picnic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If it happens to be both, then all the better.

The Guardian

If it happens to be funny, that's great".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"If it happens to be bad weather, you're not stuck for seven days," she said.

The New York Times - Travel

If it happens to be a small fund, so be it.

The New York Times

If it happens to be accepted, it does not bear fruit in anything that trenches upon legal rights.

Cornell University

And that people want the centralized market, and if it happens to be in Chicago, so be it.

Yale University

But if it happens to be a crazy person, then you realize, maybe, there's nothing you can do".

The New York Times

Seppuku is not, as a rule, good for you, even if it happens to be a good day for it.

The New Yorker

But that doesn't mean they want to hear sad talk instead, even if it happens to be true.

The Guardian - Opinion

All the better, he added, "if it happens to be a famous person who is really hot".

The New York Times

If it happens to be Amadeus, then the answer is: music by Mozart and lots of it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if it happens to be" when you want to express a condition that is uncertain but possible. It softens the condition, making it less direct than a simple "if" statement.

Common error

Avoid using "if it happens to be" excessively in your writing. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Vary your sentence structure with simpler conditional clauses or alternative phrases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if it happens to be" functions as a conditional clause introducer, setting up a condition that, if met, will lead to a certain outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It softens the condition, implying a degree of uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

25%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if it happens to be" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce conditions with a degree of uncertainty. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's considered correct and is widely used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While common, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider alternative phrases to maintain writing impact. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various forms of communication, making it a valuable tool in expressing contingency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if it turns out to be

This suggests a discovery or realization about a condition.

if it should be the case

This alternative adds a layer of formality and emphasis on the condition being met.

if by chance it is

Similar to "on the off chance", emphasizing the element of luck or unforeseen circumstances.

if it so happens that it is

Adds emphasis to the element of chance or coincidence.

in the event that it is

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes a specific event occurring.

on the off chance that it is

This suggests a low probability of the condition being met.

provided that it is

Emphasizes a requirement or condition that must be met.

should it be

This is a more concise and formal way of expressing a conditional.

contingent on it being

Highlights that something is dependent on the specified condition.

assuming it is

This indicates an assumption or presumption that something is true.

FAQs

How can I use "if it happens to be" in a sentence?

You can use "if it happens to be" to introduce a condition that is uncertain. For example, "If it happens to be sunny tomorrow, we'll go to the park."

What can I say instead of "if it happens to be"?

You can use alternatives like "if it turns out to be", "in the event that it is", or "should it be" depending on the context.

Is "if it happened to be" grammatically correct?

Yes, "if it happened to be" is grammatically correct. It's the past tense form of "if it happens to be" and is used to refer to a past possibility or condition.

What is the difference between "if it happens to be" and "if it is"?

"If it is" is a more direct and certain conditional statement. "If it happens to be" implies a greater degree of uncertainty or chance.