Cool MateIt happens vs These things happen
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
It happens
Top 1,000 (very common)
These things happen
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: It happens
| It happens | These things happen | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɪt ˈhæpənz//🇺🇸 //ɪt ˈhæpənz// | 🇬🇧 //ðiːz θɪŋz ˈhæpən//🇺🇸 //ðiːz θɪŋz ˈhæpən// |
| Meaning | It occurs or takes place. | Bad or unexpected events occur. |
| Example | Sometimes, it happens when you least expect it. | When the project failed, the manager reminded us, 'These things happen.' |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | it often happens, if it happens, when it happens, sometimes it happens, it rarely happens | face challenges, experience setbacks, take things lightly, acknowledge reality |
| Common mistakes | Used too formally in casual conversations., Confused with 'It is happening', which indicates an ongoing action., Overused in situations that require more specific language. | Using it in overly formal situations., Misplacing it in a sentence; it's usually a standalone phrase., Assuming it's a universally appropriate response; context matters. |
| Usage notes | Often used to express acceptance of a situation. Appropriate in casual and formal contexts, but can sound vague without context. | Used casually to express that unfortunate events are a normal part of life. Suitable in conversations but may seem dismissive if overused in serious contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: It happens vs These things happen
What's the difference between It happens and These things happen?
It happens: It occurs or takes place. These things happen: Bad or unexpected events occur.
Which is more common: It happens and These things happen?
It happens is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
It happens: Sometimes, it happens when you least expect it. These things happen: When the project failed, the manager reminded us, 'These things happen.'
Can I use It happens and These things happen interchangeably?
Not always. It happens and These things happen are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.