Exploring the Usage and Meanings of 'As It Happens'
The phrase 'as it happens' can be a versatile tool in our vocabulary, often used both literally and figuratively. It is a phrase that can be employed in various contexts to convey a range of meanings, from factual statements to expressions of surprise or chance.
Literal Usage
Literal Usage: The phrase 'as it happens' can be used to introduce a factual statement that is true at the moment of speaking. For example:
Big brother is a live reality show which is aired as it happens.
We have a vacancy for a financial analyst as it happens.
Watch the catalog for more specials as it happens.
As it happens, you are required to work under a qualified CPA to be eligible to write the CPA exams.
As it happens, social media sites promote live activities as it happens.
Real housewives of Orange County is a live broadcast show as it happens.
The police are there as it happens.
These examples illustrate how 'as it happens' can be used to provide a current fact or to introduce an ongoing event.
Figurative Usage
Figurative Usage: On the other hand, 'as it happens' can also be used figuratively to introduce a statement that might seem unexpected or surprising. This usage often implies that something coincides with a current discussion or situation. For example:
As it happens, I was wondering the same thing myself.
As it happens, it’s an idiom and not to be taken literally.
As it happens, it’s used to introduce a statement.
As it happens, it is often used to express surprise.
As it happens, none of the statements above are really surprising, as it happens neither is this one.
This usage is often associated with idiomatic expressions and can add a layer of surprise or unexpectedness to the conversation.
Contextual Examples
Contextual Examples: 'As it happens' can be used in a variety of sentences to convey different meanings based on the context. Here are some examples:
As it happens, he wasn’t even in the country on the day the crime he is accused of was committed.
As it happens, I saw him during Thanksgiving break.
As it happens, she left her job due to several panic attacks caused by work-related stress.
These examples show how 'as it happens' can be used to provide additional information that ties in with the current discussion or situation.
Applications in Idioms and Expressions
Idiomatic Expressions with 'As It Happens': 'As it happens' is often used in conjunction with other idioms and expressions to convey a range of meanings. For example:
I never told you this, but your fortune actually came about due to an unknown benefactor all those years ago.
In this example, 'came about' is a phrasal verb that can be used figuratively to describe how something occurred or came into being. Came about can also be used in other contexts to describe the initiation or formation of an event, relationship, or situation.
Additional Usage Scenarios
Additional Scenarios: The phrase 'as it happens' can also be used in scenarios requiring a shift in conversation or to introduce new information. For example:
The big meeting came about later in the day to allow us to talk about the altercation that took place at the office. This could mean that the meeting was scheduled as a result of an earlier incident, emphasizing the timing and the relevance to the discussion at hand.
It took quite some time but the long-awaited party came about after months of focused and disciplined planning. Here, the phrase highlights the delayed but successful outcome of a prolonged effort.
The entire partnership came about due to my brother’s willingness to sing my praises at every opportunity. In this case, 'came about' conveys how the partnership came into existence.
This whole situation came about because you just didn’t have the patience to wait for my signal rather than going in blind. This usage suggests that the current situation is a result of a specific action or behavior, implying a past event that led to the present circumstance.
These examples demonstrate how 'as it happens' can be integrated into a variety of conversational and narrative contexts to enhance the flow and add layers of meaning.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 'as it happens' is a versatile phrase that can be used in both literal and figurative contexts, providing a range of meanings and adding depth to conversations. Whether introducing a factual statement, an idiomatic expression, or a surprising revelation, 'as it happens' can help convey nuanced and contextually appropriate information. Understanding its usage can enrich our language skills and make our communication more effective and engaging.