it sometimes happens

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "it sometimes happens" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something occurs, but not all the time. For example: "It sometimes happens that I get to spend time with my family on the weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It sometimes happens".

The New York Times - Sports

"It sometimes happens that way".

The New York Times

But we know it sometimes happens.

The Guardian - Business

"It sometimes happens to everybody here.

The New York Times

But that is how it sometimes happens.

The Guardian - Sport

But it sometimes happens that one form causes serious side-effects.

The Economist

Of course, it sometimes happens that society takes successive steps in one direction.

The New York Times

Then, as it sometimes happens, my cider phase receded into memory.

The New York Times - Food

"It sometimes happens when you lose two, three or four players from the same position.

Independent

Finally, it sometimes happens that a name has no particular meaning from the beginning.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was a bit of a bad decision, I think, but it sometimes happens in boxing.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it sometimes happens" to acknowledge that an event or situation isn't a certainty, but a possibility, adding nuance and realism to your writing.

Common error

While "it sometimes happens" is a useful phrase, relying on it too frequently can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "occasionally", "from time to time", or rephrasing the sentence to avoid the phrase altogether.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it sometimes happens" functions as an introductory clause or parenthetical expression. It sets the stage for a statement by indicating that the event or situation being described is not always the case, adding a degree of uncertainty or occasionality. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

30%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it sometimes happens" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something occurs occasionally, adding nuance and realism to statements. It is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific writing. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous real-world examples. When using the phrase, consider synonyms like "occasionally" or "from time to time" to avoid repetition and ensure that the level of formality is appropriate for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it occasionally occurs

Replaces 'sometimes' with 'occasionally', suggesting a slightly less frequent occurrence.

it happens on occasion

Emphasizes the infrequency of the event by using the phrase 'on occasion'.

it has been known to happen

Indicates that the event has occurred in the past and could happen again.

it sporadically occurs

Implies an irregular and unpredictable pattern of happening.

it can happen from time to time

Adds a time element to show the intermittent nature of the event.

it is known to occur

Highlights the acknowledged possibility of the event taking place.

it is not uncommon

Uses a double negative to suggest that the event happens with some regularity.

it is liable to happen

Suggests a tendency or likelihood for the event to occur.

it is apt to occur

Indicates a natural tendency or inclination for the event to happen.

it circumstantially happens

Suggests that the event is dependent on specific circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "it sometimes happens" to introduce an event that occurs occasionally. For example: "It sometimes happens that things don't go as planned."

What are some alternatives to "it sometimes happens"?

Alternatives include "occasionally", "from time to time", or "it is not uncommon", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it sometimes happen" instead of "it sometimes happens"?

No, "it sometimes happen" is grammatically incorrect. The subject "it" requires the singular verb form "happens". The correct phrase is "it sometimes happens".

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

"It sometimes happens" indicates a less frequent occurrence than "it often happens". "Sometimes" implies that the event occurs occasionally, while "often" suggests that it occurs frequently.