mishaps occur

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mishaps occur" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe situations where unexpected problems or accidents happen. Example: "Despite careful planning, mishaps occur, and we must be prepared to handle them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Mishaps occur.

The New York Times

Various interesting mishaps occur there.

The New Yorker

Mishaps occur just the same at rock events".

Independent

Such mishaps occur frequently in "A Prairie Home Companion," and each one turns into a moment of grace.

The New York Times

Taxpayers who provide the funds that pay for the drugs used in lethal injections deserve to know when mishaps occur.

The Washington Post

Humorous mishaps occur when Tony dupes Marlow and Hastings into believing that Mr. Hardcastle's home is an inn.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

None of these mishaps occurred.

The Guardian - Travel

In two cases, Air Force officials would not identify the country where the mishaps occurred.

The Washington Post

Yes, mishaps occurred when Sudanese oilfields were developed: it is a messy, unpredictable business after all.

The Economist

Interest has really taken off globally since the early nineties after several major mishaps occurred during the eighties (Bhopal, Mexico city, Piper-alfa, Philips Petroleum, to name a few).

Journal of Hazardous Materials

There are plenty of Soviet-era cultural artifacts that concern either not being able to leave the airport's transit zone or terrible mishaps occurring there.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mishaps occur" to introduce an acknowledgment of potential problems, followed by proactive measures or explanations.

Common error

Avoid substituting "mishaps occur" with overly vague or gentrified phrases that obscure the severity or impact of the events. Transparency is often key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mishaps occur" functions as a statement acknowledging the possibility or inevitability of unfortunate incidents. It serves to introduce the idea that problems or accidents can and do happen, as indicated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mishaps occur" is a grammatically sound and neutrally toned expression used to acknowledge the potential for unfortunate incidents or accidents. As Ludwig confirms, it’s a direct way to introduce the idea that problems can arise. While not extremely common, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Washington Post, primarily within the contexts of news reporting and scientific discussions. Alternatives such as "accidents happen" or "things go wrong" can be used depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis. When using this phrase, transparency is key; avoiding overly vague language ensures clarity and honesty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Accidents happen

More general and widely used, implying inevitability.

Incidents arise

Slightly more formal, focusing on specific events.

Problems emerge

Emphasizes the appearance of difficulties.

Difficulties arise

Similar to 'problems emerge' but slightly more formal.

Errors happen

Focuses specifically on mistakes or faults.

Complications develop

Implies a more intricate or involved issue.

Setbacks occur

Highlights the hindering nature of the events.

Unexpected events unfold

Emphasizes the unforeseen nature of the happenings.

Unforeseen circumstances arise

Similar to unexpected events, highlighting unpredictability and circumstances as the triggering factor.

Things go wrong

A more casual way of indicating problems.

FAQs

How can I use "mishaps occur" in a sentence?

You can use "mishaps occur" to introduce the possibility of accidents or errors, such as: "Despite careful planning, "mishaps occur", so we have contingency plans in place."

What are some alternatives to "mishaps occur"?

Alternatives include "accidents happen", "errors arise", or "things go wrong", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it better to say "mishaps occur" or "mishaps happened"?

The phrase "mishaps occur" is in the present tense and suggests a general possibility. "Mishaps happened" is in the past tense and indicates that mishaps have already taken place. Choose the tense that fits your intended meaning.

What's the connotation of using "mishaps occur"?

Using "mishaps occur" acknowledges potential problems but isn't overly alarming. It's a neutral way to introduce the idea that things might not always go as planned.