something is happening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "something is happening" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that an event or action is currently taking place or unfolding. Example: "I can feel that something is happening in the atmosphere, but I can't quite put my finger on it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Now something is happening.

The New Yorker

Something is happening here".

The New Yorker

But clearly something is happening.

The New York Times

But something is happening.

The Guardian

Eddie: Something is happening though.

Princeton University

Behind the scenes something is happening, though.

The New York Times

Something is happening in the world".

The Economist

It sounds like something is happening.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Something was happening.

The New York Times

But something was happening outside.

The New York Times - Sports

Something was happening inside me.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "something is happening" to create a sense of immediacy and engagement in your writing. It's more active and direct than saying "something happened."

Common error

Avoid using "something is happening" as a crutch in passive constructions. Instead of "Mistakes are happening due to lack of training", try the more direct and impactful "Lack of training causes mistakes."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something is happening" primarily functions as a statement expressing that an event or action is currently in progress. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples showing its application in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something is happening" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to indicate an ongoing event or change. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread usage, particularly in News & Media. While appropriate for various contexts, it's important to use it deliberately and avoid passive voice constructions to maintain clarity and impact in your writing. Related phrases, like "something is occurring" or "something is unfolding", offer nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something is occurring

Replaces "happening" with a more formal synonym, suggesting a slightly more detached or objective observation.

something is unfolding

Implies a gradual revelation or development, often in a narrative or dramatic context.

something is emerging

Highlights the gradual appearance or formation of something new or significant.

something is afoot

Suggests a sense of mystery or intrigue, implying that something is secretly or unexpectedly taking place.

something is brewing

Indicates that something is developing or intensifying, often with a sense of anticipation or potential conflict.

events are unfolding

Focuses on a series of events rather than a singular occurrence, suggesting a broader scope.

something is transpiring

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying something is happening, often used in official or legal contexts.

things are moving

Conveys a sense of progress or change, often in a dynamic or active environment.

there's something in the air

Suggests an intangible feeling or atmosphere, implying that something significant is about to happen or is already influencing the environment.

a change is coming

Highlights the anticipation of a future event or transformation.

FAQs

How can I use "something is happening" in a sentence?

Use "something is happening" to indicate that an event or action is currently taking place or unfolding. For example: "I can feel that "something is happening" in the atmosphere, but I can't quite put my finger on it."

What are some alternatives to "something is happening"?

You can use alternatives like "something is occurring", "something is unfolding", or "something is afoot" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "something is happening"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of ""something is happening"" can lead to vague or weak writing. Ensure the context is clear and the phrase adds value to the sentence.

What's the difference between "something is happening" and "something happened"?

"Something is happening" implies an ongoing process, while "something happened" refers to a completed event. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the current state or a past occurrence.