same thing happens

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "same thing happens" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a similar event or situation occurs again or in a different context. Example: "Whenever I try to fix the issue, the same thing happens; it just doesn't work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

The same thing happens with the book.

The New Yorker

"The next night, the same thing happens".

The New York Times - Sports

Exactly the same thing happens to me.

The New Yorker

The same thing happens with chefs.

The New York Times

The same thing happens on offense.

The New York Times

The same thing happens twice more.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

The same thing happened.

The New Yorker

Second meeting, same thing happened.

The New York Times

The same thing happened last year.

The New York Times

Same thing happened with Navalny".

The New York Times

Same thing happened last year.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "same thing happens" to create a sense of predictability or inevitability in your writing. It's particularly effective when describing recurring problems or consistent outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "same thing happens" repeatedly within a short passage. This can make your writing sound monotonous. Instead, vary your phrasing with synonyms like "the same occurs" or "a similar event takes place" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "same thing happens" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating the recurrence of an event or situation. It is commonly used to express predictability or a repeated outcome, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "same thing happens" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the recurrence of events or situations. According to Ludwig, it serves to highlight predictability and consistency across diverse contexts like media and academia. While versatile, it's crucial to avoid overuse and consider alternatives to maintain engaging writing. As a neutral phrase, "same thing happens" effectively conveys repetition or consistent outcomes, supported by numerous examples from authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the same occurs

More concise and slightly more formal.

a similar event takes place

Focuses on the similarity rather than the exact duplication of events.

the same situation arises

Focuses on the recurrence of a specific set of circumstances.

it plays out the same way

Emphasizes the process or sequence of events being identical.

it happens again

Simpler and more direct, emphasizing repetition.

the result is the same

Highlights the consistent outcome despite potential variations in the process.

the identical event unfolds

Highlights the exact replication of an event.

the course of events is identical

Emphasizes the identical sequence and progression of happenings.

history repeats itself

Implies a broader, cyclical pattern of events.

the pattern is repeated

Emphasizes the recurrence of a recognizable sequence.

FAQs

How can I use "same thing happens" in a sentence?

You can use "same thing happens" to indicate that a similar event or situation recurs, for example: "Every time I try to fix this, the "same thing happens"; it breaks again."

What are some alternatives to "same thing happens"?

Alternatives include "the same occurs", "the same situation arises", or "it happens again", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to say "same thing happens"?

Yes, "same thing happens" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It's a concise way to express the recurrence of an event or situation.

What's the difference between "same thing happens" and "similar thing happens"?

"Same thing happens" implies an exact repetition, while "similar thing happens" suggests that the event is not identical but shares key characteristics. For example: "The "same thing happens" every time I water the plant - it wilts. A "similar thing happens" when I give it too much sunlight."