it either happens

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it either happens" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing possibilities or outcomes that can occur in a situation, typically in a conditional context. Example: "In this experiment, it either happens as predicted, or we need to reevaluate our hypothesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It either happens naturally or it doesn't.

The Guardian

It either happens or it doesn't".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It either happened or it didn't, and if it didn't, if it's all a lie, neither of us should be in church today.

The New York Times - Magazine

Anecdotes It either happened to you or you know that somebody has done research on the topic.

WikiHow

It would either happen or it wouldn't.

The New York Times

It's like a hard drive failure without back-up: it's either happened to you or it will.

Huffington Post

But recently, Iowa has been in the news--on a national level--for a very different reason and it's one you should pay attention to no matter where you live, because it's either happening in your state already, or there's a very good chance that it will be soon.

Huffington Post

"Traditional is not just a word -- it has either happened before on the steps of City Hall or it hasn't," said Daniel S. Connolly, a lawyer for the city.

The New York Times

There's no point in actively trying to get headhunted it either happens or it doesn't, and it's beyond your control but that doesn't mean that you can't study the qualities people who do get recruited possess, and try to develop them in yourself.

Science Magazine

The ceasefire is due to come into force on May 12th, though few believe it will either happen or last.

The Economist

If Stephen Paddock had radicalized, in the ways we usually understand the term, it had either happened very recently or had entirely eluded his family.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it either happens" when you want to convey a sense of acceptance about an inevitable outcome, especially when planning or direct intervention is not possible.

Common error

While grammatically sound, avoid overusing "it either happens" in formal or business writing where a more proactive or solution-oriented tone is expected. Instead, consider phrases that suggest planning or mitigation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it either happens" functions as a conjunction phrase, presenting two possible outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct, although its usage may vary depending on context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it either happens" is a grammatically correct expression used to acknowledge a situation with two possible outcomes, often implying a lack of direct control. According to Ludwig AI, its tone leans towards neutral to informal and is most commonly found in News & Media. While semantically interchangeable alternatives like "it will occur" or "it's bound to happen" exist, writers should consider the context and desired level of formality when choosing their words. Remember, while the phrase is valid, avoiding overuse in formal settings can improve the overall tone and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it will occur

Replaces "happens" with a more formal synonym, implying a future event.

it's bound to happen

Emphasizes the inevitability of the event.

it will come to pass

A more literary and emphatic way of saying something will happen.

it remains to be seen

Highlights the uncertainty of the outcome.

it may transpire

Uses a more formal and less common verb to express happening.

it's a possibility

Shifts the focus to the potential for an event to occur.

it is to be

Suggests inevitability, often with a sense of resignation or acceptance.

it's up to fate

Introduces the concept of destiny or chance determining the outcome.

it's in the cards

Suggests that the event is predetermined or likely.

it's touch and go

Highlights the uncertain nature of the outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "it either happens" in a sentence?

You can use "it either happens" to express acceptance of an uncertain outcome, such as, "We've done all we can; "it either happens" or it doesn't".

What is the tone of "it either happens"?

The tone is generally resigned or accepting, suggesting a lack of control over the situation. It's suitable for informal contexts or when discussing uncontrollable events.

What are some similar phrases to "it either happens" that I could use?

Alternatives include "it's bound to happen", "it will occur", or "it remains to be seen", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it either happens" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it either happens" may sound too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider more professional alternatives like "the outcome is uncertain" or "the result is contingent".