this has happened

USAGE SUMMARY

"this has happened" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to something that has already occurred, either in the past or very recently. For example: "I can't believe what has happened - this has happened so quickly!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This has happened before.

The New York Times

This has happened.

The New York Times

And this has happened.

Independent

This has happened to Klein.

The New York Times - Arts

This has happened with M.F.

The New York Times

Some of this has happened.

The Economist

The reason this has happened?

The Economist

None of this has happened.

The Economist

This has happened to 'us'us

The Guardian - Books

This has happened once?

The New Yorker

"This has happened overnight".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this has happened" to succinctly state that an event or situation has already occurred, providing context for further explanation or analysis. It is suitable for both formal and informal writing.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "this has happened", especially in academic writing. Instead, integrate the information more smoothly into the existing sentence structure for a more sophisticated writing style.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "this has happened" is to assert that a particular event or situation has occurred. It often serves as a statement of fact, as Ludwig examples illustrate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

18%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this has happened" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase that serves to assert the occurrence of an event. As Ludwig AI shows, it's commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic sources, showcasing its versatility. While its primary function is to state a fact, it also provides context for further discussion. When writing, it is recommended to use this phrase to succinctly state that an event or situation has already occurred. As for possible errors, avoid overuse in complex sentences. Remember it is always better to integrate the information more smoothly into the existing sentence structure for a more sophisticated writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this occurred

Replaces "has happened" with a more direct past tense, slightly more formal.

this took place

Substitutes "has happened" to emphasize the event's occurrence, introducing a more descriptive tone.

this came to pass

Offers a more formal or literary alternative to "has happened", implying a sense of destiny or inevitability.

this materialized

Implies that something abstract or planned has become a reality, rather than just an event occurring.

this transpired

A more formal and less common synonym, often used in official or historical contexts.

this unfolded

Suggests a gradual revelation or development of events, adding a narrative element.

this eventuated

A formal synonym for "has happened", implying that something was the final result of a process or situation.

this was realized

Focuses on the fulfillment or achievement of something, rather than a simple occurrence.

this came about

Highlights the circumstances or causes that led to something happening.

this played out

Suggests a sequence of events leading to a particular outcome, often with a dramatic or consequential implication.

FAQs

How can I use "this has happened" in a sentence?

You can use "this has happened" to indicate that an event has already taken place. For example, "The predicted economic downturn has arrived; "this has happened" sooner than expected".

What are some alternatives to saying "this has happened"?

Alternatives include phrases like "this occurred", "this took place", or "this came to pass", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "this has happened"?

Yes, "this has happened" is grammatically correct. It uses the present perfect tense to describe an event that occurred at an unspecified time in the past but has relevance to the present.

What's the difference between "this has happened" and "this happened"?

"This happened" is simple past tense, indicating a completed action in the past. "This has happened" is present perfect, implying the event's consequences or relevance continue to the present.