this happens sometimes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this happens sometimes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a particular event or situation occurs occasionally or intermittently. Example: "Don't worry if you feel overwhelmed; this happens sometimes when you're adjusting to a new routine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"We're moving blood around very quickly, and this happens sometimes," he said.

The New York Times

I know this happens sometimes in business but we are running a charity.

The Guardian

"Sometimes, when something like this happens, sometimes our schools and our mosques become a target," he said.

The Guardian

"This happens sometimes," said Astacio, a pitcher to whom bad things have not happened often this season.

The New York Times - Sports

"I've been playing so well all year, a round like this happens sometimes," said Sorenstam, who won the last women's major, the L.P.G.A. Championship.

The New York Times - Sports

"This happens sometimes because we play a lot of games," said Nunez, who, after struggling as a utility player, was demoted in early May so that he could get more playing time at shortstop.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"There's a way that you can make this happen — sometimes all it takes is one person," Ms. Johnson said.

The New York Times

The hostesses told us not to worry, that this happened sometimes because of bad weather; it was nothing.

The Guardian

Women you have known for years -- sometimes your whole life -- who have had this happen, sometimes over and over and over again.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I'm sorry that this happened". Sometimes your apology is edging toward effective and appropriate, but it just doesn't quite hit the mark.

Harvard Business Review

"It wouldn't be nice obviously [if Pienaar is ruled out] but my experience tells me things like this happen sometimes," Mosimane added.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this happens sometimes" to normalize unexpected or undesirable situations, conveying understanding and acceptance. It's particularly useful in contexts where assigning blame is unhelpful.

Common error

Avoid using "this happens sometimes" as a dismissive response to serious concerns. Ensure your tone is empathetic and not trivializing the other person's experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this happens sometimes" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying the verb "happens", indicating frequency. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable. Its purpose is to acknowledge that something occurs occasionally, often to normalize the situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

25%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this happens sometimes" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for normalizing occasional or undesirable events. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and adaptability. Predominantly found in news, wiki and science contexts, it conveys understanding and acceptance. When writing, use it to reassure others, but avoid overuse or dismissive tones. Alternatives include "it occasionally occurs" and "these things happen". It's crucial to maintain empathy to avoid trivializing other's experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

these things happen

A general statement acknowledging the inevitability of certain events.

it's to be expected

Suggests the event is predictable or anticipated.

it occasionally occurs

Replaces "this" with "it" and uses "occasionally occurs" for a slightly more formal tone.

it occurs from time to time

Emphasizes the intermittent nature of the event.

it's not unusual

Highlights the commonness of the event.

that's just how it goes

An idiomatic expression implying acceptance of the situation.

such things occur

A more formal and detached way of expressing the same idea.

that's life

An idiomatic expression indicating acceptance of unfavorable circumstances.

it is a common occurrence

Highlights the frequency with more formal language.

it's part of the process

Highlights the event's role in a larger sequence.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "this happens sometimes"?

It's appropriate when acknowledging an occasional, often undesirable, event or situation to normalize it, offering reassurance that such occurrences aren't entirely unexpected. For example, "Don't worry about making mistakes; "this happens sometimes" when learning a new skill".

What are some alternatives to saying "this happens sometimes"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "it occasionally occurs", "it's not unusual", or "these things happen" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "this happens sometimes" grammatically correct?

Yes, "this happens sometimes" is grammatically correct and a common expression in English, used to acknowledge that certain events occur from time to time.

How can I use "this happens sometimes" in a sentence?

You can use it to soften the blow of bad news or to normalize an experience. For instance, "The system might experience occasional outages; "this happens sometimes", but we're working to minimize disruptions".