it may happen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it may happen" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the possibility of an event occurring in the future. Example: "Although the weather forecast looks promising, it may happen that we experience unexpected rain during the picnic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But it may happen.

The Economist

He knows it may happen".

The New York Times - Sports

Well, it may happen soon.

The New York Times

Yet it may happen anyway.

The Economist

One day it may happen.

The New York Times

It may happen again.

The New York Times - Sports

But it may happen anyway.

The New York Times - Magazine

Senior commission people believe it may happen.

The Economist

Yet it may happen in Turkey.

The Economist

It may happen, but not this time.

The Guardian - Sport

It may happen, but it hasn't.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it may happen", consider adding a qualifier to indicate the likelihood or conditions under which it might occur for added clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it may happen" repeatedly without providing context or specifying the conditions that could lead to the event. Overuse without qualification can make your writing sound vague or indecisive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it may happen" functions as an adverbial phrase expressing possibility. Ludwig AI data shows frequent use in indicating potential future events or outcomes across diverse contexts. The auxiliary verb 'may' signifies a degree of uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

27%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it may happen" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express the possibility of a future event. Ludwig AI data indicates its prevalence across various domains like News & Media and Science. While adaptable to different contexts, it leans towards a neutral register, with more formal options available for specific settings. As Ludwig AI points out, "it may happen" is a valid way to introduce uncertainty about future events while acknowledging their potential occurrence. Remember to qualify its use with relevant conditions for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could occur

Replaces "may" with "could", suggesting a slightly lower probability.

it is possible

States the possibility directly, without implying likelihood.

there's a chance it will happen

Adds emphasis to the element of chance or uncertainty.

it might transpire

Uses "might" and "transpire" for a more formal and less common expression.

it is conceivable

Suggests that something is imaginable or believable, though not necessarily likely.

it has the potential to happen

Focuses on the inherent capability or potential for something to occur.

it is liable to happen

Implies that the event is likely or prone to occur, often with negative connotations.

it is on the cards

An idiomatic expression indicating that something is likely to happen.

the odds are it will happen

Specifies that there is probability it will happen.

circumstances may permit

Focuses on the scenario where external conditions will allow to happen.

FAQs

What does "it may happen" mean?

The phrase "it may happen" indicates a possibility or potential for something to occur in the future. It suggests uncertainty but acknowledges that the event is not entirely impossible.

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

You can use "it may happen" to express a potential outcome or possibility. For instance, you could say, "Although we've planned carefully, "it may happen" that we encounter unforeseen challenges."

What can I say instead of "it may happen"?

You can use alternatives like "it could occur", "it is possible", or "there's a chance" depending on the context.

Is "it may happen" formal or informal?

"It may happen" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for more formal writing, you might consider alternatives like "it is possible" or "it could occur".