it can happen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can happen" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express the possibility of something occurring. Some examples of when it can be used are: 1. "We've taken all the necessary precautions, but accidents can still happen." 2. "I know it's a long shot, but winning the lottery can happen." 3. "Don't worry, I've double-checked everything and I'm confident that it won't happen again." 4. "I never thought I would get the job, but it happened because of my hard work and determination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It can happen again".

The New York Times

"It can happen anywhere.

The New York Times

"It can happen sometimes.

The New York Times - Sports

It Can Happen!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"It can happen to him.

The New York Times - Sports

"It can happen quite quickly.

The New York Times - Arts

And it can happen fast.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm hopeful it can happen.

Independent

It can happen then.

The Guardian - Sport

It can happen fast.

The Guardian - Film

It can happen at an intermediate correlation.

Structural Safety

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it can happen" to express a general possibility or to reassure someone that an event, though perhaps unlikely, is still within the realm of potential outcomes.

Common error

While "it can happen" is grammatically sound, overuse it in very formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "it is possible" or "it may occur" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can happen" functions as a statement of possibility. It expresses that something is within the realm of what is achievable or what might occur. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it can happen" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the possibility of an event occurring. Ludwig AI validates this, offering a range of real-world examples across diverse contexts. While very common, its suitability depends on the register, with more formal alternatives preferred in academic or scientific writing. The frequency analysis indicates that is most commonly found in News & Media. When writing, be mindful of its potential overuse in formal contexts, opting for more sophisticated phrases when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is possible

Emphasizes the sheer possibility of an event, removing the sense of inevitability.

it could occur

Presents a slightly more formal or distant tone.

it might happen

Suggests a lower probability than "it can happen".

it is liable to happen

Implies a higher probability or predisposition for something to occur, often with negative connotations.

there's a chance it will happen

Highlights the element of chance or uncertainty involved.

it's not impossible

Focuses on the absence of impossibility rather than affirming possibility.

it may come to pass

Employs a more formal, almost archaic tone.

that's a possibility

Rephrases the idea into a noun-based construction.

it's within the realm of possibility

Emphasizes the conceptual space where the event can exist.

the stars might align

Adds a touch of fate or serendipity to the idea of something happening.

FAQs

How can I use "it can happen" in a sentence?

You can use "it can happen" to express a possibility or potential occurrence, such as, "We've taken precautions, but accidents "it can happen"."

What is a more formal alternative to "it can happen"?

For more formal situations, consider using phrases like "it is possible" or "it may occur" instead of "it can happen".

What does "it can happen" imply about the likelihood of an event?

"It can happen" suggests that something is possible, though not necessarily probable or certain. It falls between "it will never happen" and "it will definitely happen".

Is there a difference between "it can happen" and "it might happen"?

While both express possibility, "it might happen" suggests a slightly lower likelihood than "it can happen". "It might happen" implies a weaker chance of occurrence.