this could happen

USAGE SUMMARY

"this could happen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in any sentence that is expressing the possibility of something occurring. For example: "If we are not careful, this could happen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This could happen again.

The Economist

This could happen fast.

The Economist

And this could happen anywhere".

The New York Times

This could happen anywhere".

The Guardian

This could happen to anyone".

The Guardian - Sport

"I knew this could happen.

The New York Times - Sports

Conceivably, something like this could happen again.

The New Yorker

This could happen, that could happen".

The New York Times

This could happen anywhere of course.

The New York Times

This could happen in several different ways.

The Economist

This could happen in several ways.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this could happen" to introduce a potential negative consequence, encouraging proactive measures to prevent it.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "this could happen" can sound too casual in formal documents or academic papers. Opt for alternatives like "this is a potential outcome" or "this scenario might unfold" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this could happen" functions as a modal expression indicating possibility or potential occurrence. Ludwig's examples show its use in predicting future events, expressing concerns, and presenting hypothetical scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this could happen" is a versatile phrase used to express the possibility of an event occurring, often carrying a sense of warning or potential risk. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable across various contexts, from casual conversation to professional reports. While highly common, it's wise to consider more formal alternatives like "this is a potential outcome" in academic writing. With its prevalence in news media and general discourse, understanding the nuances of "this could happen" enhances one's ability to communicate effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there's a chance this will occur

This alternative is a very common and simple expression of possibility.

this is a possibility

This alternative is a more direct and declarative statement of possibility.

this is a potential outcome

This phrase is useful when emphasizing the result or consequence of an action.

this is conceivable

This alternative is similar to 'this could happen' but is often used in more formal contexts.

this is liable to occur

This alternative emphasizes the probability or likelihood of an event happening.

this may come to pass

This alternative has a slightly more formal or archaic tone than the original.

it is a possibility that this will unfold

This alternative emphasizes that something is within the bounds of what could realistically happen.

this scenario might unfold

This alternative suggests a sequence of events or a particular situation that could develop.

this is within the realm of possibility

This alternative is a more verbose way of expressing that something is possible.

it's not impossible for this to happen

This alternative uses a double negative to express possibility, conveying a slightly weaker sense of likelihood.

FAQs

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

You can use "this could happen" to express a possible outcome or consequence. For example, "If we don't address climate change, this could happen."

What are some alternatives to "this could happen"?

Alternatives include phrases like "this is a possibility", "this is conceivable", or "this is a potential outcome", depending on the context.

Is "this could happen" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "this could happen" might sound informal in certain formal contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

What does "this could happen" imply?

"This could happen" suggests that an event or situation is possible, though not necessarily certain. It often carries a cautionary tone, highlighting potential risks or consequences.