it often happens that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it often happens that' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to something that occurs frequently. For example, "It often happens that people forget to bring their umbrellas when it rains."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a CR network, it often happens that a PU (source node) wants to send its data in a limited period of time.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

It often happens that pupils watch movies during lesson hours.

The Guardian

It often happens that victims, in a reversal of roles, become perpetrators".

Independent

When a radioactive nucleus decays, it often happens that the daughter nucleus is radioactive as well.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It often happens that several substances are precipitated by a given reaction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It often happens that a cover somehow colors my experience of a book.

The New Yorker

It often happens that the effective population size is substantially smaller than the number of individuals in any one generation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It often happens that, in youth, we glamorize a past that our immediate elders tell us is over and done.

The New Yorker

At a party, it often happens that the person you find most glamorous is not the one you think of when it's time to go home.

The New Yorker

In the novels of Balzac, it often happens that a provincial writer, poor but brilliant, comes to Paris, where he talks his way into critical success.

The New York Times

It often happens that you meet someone and have a nice conversation, you promise to call, but as time passes it no longer seems worth the effort.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it often happens that", ensure that the clause following 'that' is a complete and grammatically correct sentence. This helps maintain clarity and coherence in your writing.

Common error

While "it often happens that" is a useful phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Try to vary your sentence structure and use synonyms like "frequently", "commonly", or "typically" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it often happens that" functions as an introductory clause, setting the stage for a statement about a common occurrence. It acts as a discourse marker, signaling that what follows is a typical or frequent event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it often happens that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce common or frequent occurrences across various contexts. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. The phrase is particularly prevalent in scientific, news, and encyclopedic sources, indicating its utility in formal and informative writing. To avoid repetition, consider alternatives such as "it frequently occurs that" or "typically". When writing, remember to use it to present something that happens regularly and ensure that the clause following 'that' is grammatically complete. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate the phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it frequently occurs that

Replaces 'often happens' with 'frequently occurs', emphasizing the regular occurrence of something.

it is common for

Uses a simpler structure to express that something is a typical occurrence.

it is typical for

Similar to 'it is common for' but highlights the typical nature of the event.

it is usual for

Indicates that something is a normal or expected occurrence.

more often than not

An idiomatic expression indicating that something happens frequently.

it is a frequent occurrence that

Rephrases the original to emphasize the frequency as a characteristic.

as a rule

Expresses that something generally happens in most cases.

in many cases

Highlights that the event happens in a significant number of situations.

very often

A shorter, more direct way of saying something occurs frequently.

typically

An adverb that describes how something usually occurs.

FAQs

How can I use "it often happens that" in a sentence?

Use "it often happens that" to introduce a situation or event that occurs frequently. For example, "It often happens that students underestimate the amount of time needed to complete an assignment." You can also use similar expressions like "it frequently occurs that".

What are some alternatives to "it often happens that"?

Alternatives to "it often happens that" include "it is common for", "frequently", or "typically". Choose the alternative that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

Is "it often happens that" formal or informal?

"It often happens that" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in very formal contexts, you might prefer a more concise alternative like "frequently" or "commonly".

What's the difference between "it often happens that" and "it sometimes happens that"?

"It often happens that" indicates a frequent occurrence, while "it sometimes happens that" suggests an occasional or less frequent event. The choice depends on the actual frequency you want to convey.