that happens

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that happens" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to refer to something that is a regular occurrence or a common event. Example: "I always forget to lock the door when I leave, but luckily my roommate always checks so that happens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's something that happens".

The New York Times - Sports

Alyea said that happens sometimes.

The New Yorker

The worst that happens?

Forbes

God forbid that happens".

BBC

Narrate everything that happens.

WikiHow

That happens.

The New York Times

If that happens, that happens.

The New York Times

I hope that happens.

The New York Times - Sports

Maybe all that happens.

The New York Times

That happens here.

The New York Times

"That happens with success".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that happens" to acknowledge an event without dwelling on it or assigning blame. It's a neutral way to move the conversation forward.

Common error

Avoid using "that happens" repeatedly in close proximity, as it can make your writing sound monotonous. Opt for more descriptive or specific alternatives to add variety and depth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that happens" functions as an acknowledgement or acceptance of a situation or event. It's used to convey that something is a common occurrence or an expected outcome. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is indeed correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that happens" is a versatile phrase used to acknowledge common or expected events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It functions as a neutral statement to normalize situations across various contexts, especially in news and media. While very common, avoid overuse for stylistic reasons and consider alternatives like "it occurs" or "it is expected" for greater precision. The phrase carries a neutral register and is suitable for everyday conversation, though less frequent in formal academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it occurs

This alternative replaces the more general "that happens" with a more direct statement of an event taking place.

it takes place

This alternative is used to denote a scheduled or planned event.

it is expected

This alternative highlights the anticipation or predictability of the event.

it transpires

This is a more formal way of saying "that happens", often used in news or official contexts.

it is commonplace

This alternative emphasizes the common or ordinary nature of the event.

it comes about

This alternative suggests a process or series of events leading to the occurrence.

it turns out

This alternative implies a discovery or revelation about the occurrence.

it unfolds

This alternative implies a gradual revelation or development of events.

it comes to pass

This alternative is an old-fashioned way of saying "that happens".

it materializes

This alternative is used when something abstract becomes real or concrete.

FAQs

How can I use "that happens" in a sentence?

"That happens" is typically used as a standalone phrase or within a clause to acknowledge a common occurrence. For example, "Sometimes the printer jams, "that happens"."

What can I say instead of "that happens"?

You can use alternatives like "it occurs", "it transpires", or "it is expected" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "that happens" or "this happens"?

Both "that happens" and "this happens" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "That happens" refers to something previously mentioned or generally known, while "this happens" refers to something currently occurring or about to occur.

What's the difference between "that happens" and "it happens"?

"That happens" and "it happens" are largely interchangeable. "That happens" may imply a slightly stronger connection to a previous statement or context, but in most cases, either phrase is suitable.