that would happen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that would happen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a hypothetical situation or an event that is expected to occur under certain conditions. Example: "If we don't take action now, that would happen, and we would face serious consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the conditions under which that would happen are limited.

Cornell University

That's a pretty typical thing that would happen.

Forbes

You knew that would happen'.

Independent

I knew that would happen.

The New York Times

I suspect that would happen.

The New York Times

I doubt that would happen.

The New Yorker

But others doubted that would happen.

The New York Times

I wish that would happen more.

The New York Times

How did Prior know that would happen?

Independent

Grignolo didn't think that would happen.

The New Yorker

Who'd have thought that would happen?

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that would happen", ensure the context clearly establishes the conditions under which the event is likely to occur. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

While versatile, avoid overusing "that would happen" in highly formal or scientific writing where more precise or technical language might be preferable. Consider alternatives like "that is likely to occur" or "that may transpire" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that would happen" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express a conditional or hypothetical outcome. It describes something that is expected or likely to occur if certain conditions are met. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is correct and widely used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that would happen" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express conditional or hypothetical outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It's particularly common in News & Media, Academia and Formal & Business contexts. While generally neutral in register, it is best to avoid it in scientific writing contexts where technical language might be better. For more formal settings, alternatives like "that is likely to occur" might be preferred. By understanding its function and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively use "that would happen" to convey prediction, expectation, or logical consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that might occur

Changes the certainty from a conditional future to a possibility.

that could take place

Substitutes "would" with "could" for a slightly less definite outcome and "happen" with "take place" for increased formality.

that is likely to transpire

Replaces common words with more formal alternatives, suitable for academic or professional contexts.

that is expected to occur

Focuses on the expectation of an event, rather than the conditional nature.

that is bound to ensue

Implies a certain inevitability to the outcome, using more emphatic language.

that is apt to arise

Suggests a natural tendency for the event to occur, implying a predisposition.

that is poised to unfold

Emphasizes the unfolding or development of events, providing a narrative perspective.

that is set to come about

Highlights a planned or predetermined aspect to the event's occurrence.

that is in the cards

Idiomatic expression indicating that something is likely or destined to happen.

that is on the horizon

Emphasizes that an event is upcoming and anticipated, but not necessarily certain.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "that would happen" to sound more formal?

Consider using alternatives such as "that is likely to occur", "that is expected to transpire", or "that is anticipated to arise" for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "that would happen" and "that might happen"?

"That would happen" suggests a higher degree of certainty or expectation based on certain conditions. "That might happen" implies a possibility, but with less assurance. The choice depends on the level of confidence you want to convey.

Is "that will happen" interchangeable with "that would happen"?

"That will happen" expresses a future certainty, while "that would happen" expresses a conditional future or a hypothetical scenario. They are not always interchangeable; the latter depends on specific circumstances or conditions being met.

In what situations is it best to use "that would happen"?

Use "that would happen" when describing hypothetical situations, expected consequences, or outcomes that are conditional on certain factors. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts where you need to express a conditional future.