it happens again

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it happens again" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation that has happened before and is happening again. For example: "Every year, the same thing happens. We make resolutions, try our best to keep them, and then it happens again - we break them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It happens again and again.

The New Yorker

And then it happens again.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But then it happens again.

The New York Times - Arts

"If it happens again I'll scream.

The New Yorker

"What if it happens again?" I asked.

The New Yorker

I thought, 'What if it happens again?

Independent

It happens again in Thor: Ragnarok.

The Guardian - Film

Here's hoping it happens again someday soon.

The Guardian - Sport

(At least until it happens again).

The Guardian - Opinion

Tonight we'll hope it happens again!

The Guardian - Sport

If it happens again, then we'll worry.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it happens again" to clearly indicate the recurrence of an event or situation, especially when emphasizing a pattern or cycle.

Common error

While "it happens again" is a clear way to indicate recurrence, avoid using it excessively in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "it recurs" or "it repeats itself" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

It happens again functions as a clause or phrase indicating the recurrence of an event or situation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its application in various contexts to express repetition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

2.5%

Reference

2.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it happens again" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate the recurrence of an event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts. The phrase functions to emphasize repetition, and its neutral register makes it suitable for various forms of communication. While the expression is prevalent in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science, it is crucial to prevent overusing it by using synonyms like "it recurs" or "it repeats itself" to maintain writing engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it reoccurs

This is a synonym for "it happens again" and can be used interchangeably in most contexts.

it's happening all over again

This alternative emphasizes the sense of déjà vu or frustration associated with the recurrence.

it occurs once more

This alternative is a slightly more formal way of saying "it happens again".

it repeats itself

This alternative emphasizes the cyclical nature of the event or situation.

it comes around again

This suggests a cyclical or predictable recurrence.

it recurs

This alternative offers a more concise and formal way to express the idea of something happening again.

it arises again

This alternative indicates the re-emergence of an issue or situation.

it transpires again

This alternative suggests a more significant or noteworthy recurrence.

it's a repeat performance

This idiom suggests that something is happening again in a similar way.

the cycle continues

This alternative emphasizes the ongoing and repetitive nature of the events.

FAQs

What does "it happens again" mean?

The phrase "it happens again" means that an event or situation that has occurred before is occurring once more. It indicates a recurrence or repetition.

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

You can use "it happens again" to describe a repeated event. For example: "I tried to fix the computer, but "it happens again" and crashes."

What are some alternatives to "it happens again"?

Some alternatives to "it happens again" include "it recurs", "it repeats itself", or "it occurs once more". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "it happens again and again"?

Yes, saying "it happens again and again" is correct and emphasizes that the event is recurring frequently or continuously. It's a common way to express repeated occurrences.