what transpires

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what transpires" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to events or occurrences that happen, often in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "As the story unfolds, we will see what transpires between the main characters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Therefore we'll see what transpires.

The New York Times - Sports

They may be surprised by what transpires.

The New York Times

What transpires is far less interesting.

The Guardian - Music

What transpires onstage, however, is nothing short of alchemical again.

The Guardian - Music

I've got a few options so we'll see what transpires".

The Guardian - Sport

What transpires is quite literally a wild goose chase, albeit a highly enjoyable one.

Independent

What transpires when she finds the men in question is surprising, disturbing and unforgettable.

Independent

"We will see what transpires but this is a very big step," he said.

The Guardian

"There was a difference of opinion, and we'll see what transpires".

The New York Times - Sports

"They gave him some medication and we'll see what transpires from there".

The New York Times - Sports

To even call much of what transpires at Motorola "spying" is a stretch.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: "what transpires" works well when you want to convey that something is not just happening, but also has an element of mystery or unexpectedness.

Common error

Avoid using "what transpires" in very casual or informal settings. Simpler alternatives like "what happens" or "what's going on" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what transpires" functions as a relative clause, often introducing a noun clause that refers to events or occurrences. Ludwig AI confirms its common use in various contexts, acting as a subject or object within a sentence to describe unfolding events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what transpires" is a versatile phrase used to describe unfolding events, often with a hint of anticipation or formality. Ludwig AI data reveals its frequent usage in news and media, with a solid presence in science and business contexts. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's best reserved for situations where a slightly elevated tone is appropriate. For more casual settings, alternatives like "what happens" may be more suitable. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively incorporate "what transpires" to enrich your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what occurs

Replaces "transpires" with a more general term for happening; slightly less formal.

what happens

Uses the most common and basic term for something taking place; very informal.

what unfolds

Implies a gradual revelation or development of events; more narrative-focused.

what results

Focuses on the outcome or consequence of a situation; emphasizes causality.

what ensues

Suggests a sequence of events following a particular action; more formal.

what develops

Highlights the process of growth or evolution; implies a change over time.

what materializes

Emphasizes the concrete appearance or realization of something; more tangible.

what comes to pass

A more literary or old-fashioned way of saying "what happens"; less common in modern usage.

what unfolds itself

Emphasizes the action as a process of self-revelation and can be useful to indicate more than one subject. More poetic.

the events that follow

Phrases the event as a point of before and after; useful in journalism or reportage.

FAQs

What does "what transpires" mean?

"What transpires" refers to events that occur or happen, often with a sense of unfolding or becoming known over time. It's a more formal way of saying "what happens" or "what occurs".

How can I use "what transpires" in a sentence?

You can use "what transpires" to describe events that unfold, such as: "We will wait and see "what develops"." or "It is difficult to predict "what results"."

What are some alternatives to "what transpires"?

Alternatives include "what happens", "what occurs", "what ensues", or "what unfolds", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "what transpires" formal or informal?

"What transpires" is generally considered more formal than "what happens". It's suitable for writing or speaking where a slightly elevated tone is desired.