this would happen

USAGE SUMMARY

'this would happen' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a hypothetical situation, such as: "If I had more money, I could do more things, and this would happen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This would happen again.

The New York Times

Everyone knew this would happen".

The New York Times

This would happen here.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We feared this would happen," they stated.

Independent

"We knew this would happen," he said.

The New York Times

I predicted this would happen," Ecclestone said.

Independent

Grimmelmann doubts that this would happen.

The New Yorker

Readers suggested this would happen about 2170.

The New York Times - Science

"You'd hope this would happen.

The New York Times - Sports

It doubted this would happen.

The Guardian - Business

You knew this would happen, didn't you?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this would happen" to express a sense of inevitability or expectation regarding a certain outcome. It often implies that the speaker foresaw or anticipated the event.

Common error

Avoid using "this would happen" to describe events that are currently happening or have just occurred without a prior indication or condition. It's better suited for expressing expectations or predictions about the future or hypothetical situations in the past.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this would happen" typically functions as a statement of expectation or resignation regarding an event. It's used to indicate that something was predictable or unavoidable. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this would happen" is a versatile phrase used to express the expectation, inevitability, or confirmation of a foreseen event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, especially in News & Media, as shown by numerous examples in Ludwig. The phrase indicates a sense of predictability, often implying that the speaker anticipated the outcome. It is crucial to use it accurately, avoiding applying it to present scenarios without prior context. Alternatives like "it was inevitable" or "I saw it coming" can provide nuanced expressions of the same idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this was to be expected

Emphasizes the inevitability of the event.

it was bound to occur

Highlights the certainty of the event taking place.

it was a foregone conclusion

Suggests the outcome was predetermined and unavoidable.

it was inevitable

Focuses on the unavoidable nature of the event.

it was only a matter of time

Implies that the event was delayed but certain to happen.

i saw it coming

Indicates prior knowledge or prediction of the event.

i knew it all along

Stresses a long-held awareness of the impending event.

it was always going to happen

Highlights the predetermination of the event.

that was predictable

Directly states the foreseeability of the event.

the die is cast

Suggests that fate has determined the outcome and there is no turning back.

FAQs

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

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "this outcome was anticipated", "this eventuality was foreseen", or "such a development was expected".

When is it appropriate to use "this would happen" in a sentence?

Use "this would happen" when you want to express that an event was predictable, expected, or in line with prior assumptions. It's often used to convey a sense of inevitability or resignation.

Is there a difference between "this would happen" and "this will happen"?

"This will happen" indicates a future certainty, whereas "this would happen" often implies a conditional or hypothetical situation, or a past prediction that has come true. The sentence "this will happen" suggests a future event without a particular condition.

What are some alternatives to "this would happen" for expressing a foreseen outcome?

Alternatives include "I saw it coming", "it was inevitable", or "it was bound to happen", each carrying slightly different connotations of anticipation or certainty.