that could happen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that could happen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a possibility or likelihood of an event occurring in the future. Example: "There are many factors to consider, and while we hope for the best, we must acknowledge that that could happen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The worst that could happen?

The New York Times

"It's the worst that could happen".

The New Yorker

There are two ways that could happen.

The New York Times

What the worst that could happen?

Independent

Here's one way that could happen.

The New York Times

What's the worst that could happen?

Forbes

The worst that could happen had happened.

The Guardian

What is the worst that could happen?

Forbes

Here are four ways that could happen.

Forbes

In principle, that could happen at n = 32.

Carbon

What's the worse that could happen?

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that could happen" to introduce potential consequences or possibilities in a discussion. It's effective for both formal and informal settings, lending a sense of realism and acknowledgement of uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "that could happen" excessively in situations demanding concrete plans or assurances. Overuse can dilute the impact and suggest a lack of decisiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that could happen" functions as a clause expressing possibility or potentiality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression. The examples show its use in various contexts to introduce potential outcomes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

22%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that could happen" is a versatile phrase used to express possibility or potentiality across a range of contexts. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for both formal and informal settings. While frequently used in news and media, it's important to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in situations requiring certainty. Related phrases like "it is possible" or "it might occur" can provide suitable alternatives to prevent redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is possible

Expresses a similar level of possibility but is more direct and less conversational.

it might occur

Uses 'might' to indicate a slightly lower probability than 'could'.

it is conceivable

Suggests something is imaginable or believable, though not necessarily likely.

it may come to pass

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying something might happen.

it is within the realm of possibility

Emphasizes that something is not impossible, though perhaps improbable.

the potential exists

Focuses on the presence of conditions that could lead to an event.

it's a distinct possibility

Highlights that the chance of something happening is clear and noteworthy.

chances are it will transpire

Emphasizes the likelihood of an event occurring based on current circumstances.

it is liable to happen

Suggests a tendency or predisposition for something to occur.

the stars could align

Implies that an improbable confluence of events could lead to something happening.

FAQs

How can I use "that could happen" in a sentence?

Use "that could happen" to introduce a possible outcome or event. For example, "If we don't address climate change, "that could happen" to coastal cities".

What are some alternatives to "that could happen"?

Alternatives include "it is possible", "it might occur", or "it is conceivable". Choose the one that best fits the context and level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "that could happen"?

Yes, "that could happen" is grammatically correct. It uses the modal verb 'could' to express possibility, which is a standard construction in English.

What's the difference between "that could happen" and "that will happen"?

"That could happen" suggests a possibility, while "that will happen" expresses a certainty. The choice depends on the level of confidence you want to convey about the event.