Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

if this happen

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

This phrase is not correct and cannot be used in written English.
The correct phrase would be "if this happens." This phrase is typically used in conditional sentences, where the second part of the sentence expresses a possible consequence or result if the condition is met. Example: If it rains, we will cancel the picnic.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

If this happen, you become an ineffective role model because you mirror conflict avoidance behavior.

If this happen be sure to cleanse your mojo bag with Florida Water or other means of cleansing.

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"What if this happens?

We would see massacres if this happened".

News & Media

The New York Times

I was saying, 'What if this happens?

News & Media

The New Yorker

"North Texas was prepared if this happened.

If this happens, fair enough.

"I was thinking, 'If this happens, if that happens, if this happens,' " he said.

I ask if this happens often.

If this happens, Harvard will be fine.

News & Media

The Guardian

(If this happens, skip to Step 5).

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct grammatical form: "if this happens". This ensures clarity and credibility in your writing.

Common error

Do not use "if this happen". This is grammatically incorrect. Always use the third-person singular form "happens" after "this".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

78%

Authority and reliability

2.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if this happen" functions as an incorrect conditional clause. It aims to introduce a condition that, if met, will lead to a specific result. However, the verb form is grammatically wrong. Ludwig confirms its incorrectness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "if this happen" is an incorrect conditional clause that should be avoided in formal writing. As Ludwig AI indicates, the correct form is "if this happens". While the intent is to set a condition and describe a potential result, the grammatical error undermines clarity and credibility. The most frequent contexts where this phrase appears are Wiki, News & Media, and Science, but its rarity underscores the importance of using the grammatically correct alternative for clear communication.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "if this happen"?

The correct phrasing is "if this happens". The verb must agree with the subject 'this', requiring the third-person singular form.

Is "if this happen" grammatically correct?

No, "if this happen" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "if this happens".

When should I use "if this happens"?

Use "if this happens" when you want to describe a condition and a possible outcome or consequence, ensuring the verb "happens" agrees with the singular subject 'this'.

What can I say instead of "if this happen" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "should this happen" or "in the event that this happens" instead of the incorrect "if this happen".

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

78%

Authority and reliability

2.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: