things happen

USAGE SUMMARY

"things happen" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to events or occurrences that are unexpected or out of one's control. For example, "No one could have predicted that things would turn out this way; sometimes, things just happen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Things happen".

The New York Times - Sports

How do things happen?

Yale University

Those things happen.

The New York Times - Sports

Everybody makes things happen".

The New York Times - Arts

"Things happen more organically.

The New York Times - Arts

They make things happen.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

At times, things happen.

The New York Times - Sports

Many things happen.

The New York Times - Books

Sometimes bizarre things happen.

The New York Times

"Such things happen".

The New York Times

Things happen too quickly.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "things happen" to offer a sense of closure or acceptance after recounting an unexpected or undesirable event. It's particularly effective when you want to avoid dwelling on negative aspects.

Common error

While "things happen" is a valid expression, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Over-reliance can make your writing seem passive or lacking in deeper analysis. Consider exploring the underlying causes or consequences of the events instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things happen" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness in written English, which is used to acknowledge occurrences, especially unexpected or uncontrollable ones.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "things happen" is a versatile and widely used expression in English. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and acceptability. Its primary function is to acknowledge and accept events, particularly those that are unexpected or beyond one's control. While commonly found in news and media, it is less frequent in formal academic writing. Related phrases include "that's life" and "it is what it is", offering alternative ways to express resignation or acceptance. When using "things happen", be mindful of the context and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's life

Implies acceptance of unfortunate or unexpected events as a part of life.

it is what it is

Expresses resignation or acceptance of a situation that cannot be changed.

such is life

Similar to "that's life" but can sound slightly more philosophical or resigned.

shit happens

A more vulgar and informal way to express that bad things occur unpredictably.

life takes its course

Indicates a natural progression of events, sometimes implying inevitability.

events unfold

Focuses on the process of events occurring, often implying a lack of control over them.

unforeseen circumstances arise

Highlights the unexpected nature of the events.

circumstances arise

Highlights the role of external conditions in causing events.

fate intervenes

Suggests a predetermined or supernatural influence on events.

fortuity plays a role

Emphasizes the element of chance or luck in how events occur.

FAQs

How can I use "things happen" in a sentence?

You can use "things happen" to acknowledge an event that was unexpected or beyond your control. For example, "I didn't get the promotion, but "things happen"."

What's a more formal alternative to "things happen"?

In formal contexts, consider phrases like "unforeseen circumstances arose", or "events unfolded unexpectedly" as alternatives to "things happen".

When is it inappropriate to use "things happen"?

Avoid using "things happen" in situations where taking responsibility is necessary. It can come across as dismissive if used to excuse negligence or wrongdoing.

Is "stuff happens" an acceptable alternative to "things happen"?

"Stuff happens" is a more informal version of "things happen". It's suitable for casual conversation but less appropriate for formal writing or professional settings.