Cool MateFate vs Whatever can happen will happen
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Fate
Top 1,000 (very common)C1noun
Whatever can happen will happen
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: Fate
| Fate | Whatever can happen will happen | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/feɪt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/feɪt/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //wɒtˈɛvə kən ˈhæpən wɪl ˈhæpən//🇺🇸 //wʌtˈɛvɚ kən ˈhæpən wɪl ˈhæpən// |
| Meaning | What happens to a person or thing in the future. | Anything that can happen will happen. |
| Example | She believed that her fate was sealed the moment she left her hometown. | In life, whatever can happen will happen, so we must be prepared for anything. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | awful, grim, horrible, face, meet, suffer, await somebody/something, be in store for somebody/something, lie in store for somebody/something, leave your fate in somebody’s hands, place your fate in somebody’s hands, put your fate in somebody’s hands, cruel, kind, believe in, tempt, leave something to, decide something, decree something, intervene, an accident of fate, a turn of fate, a twist of fate | accept whatever can happen, expect whatever can happen, believe whatever can happen, adapt to whatever can happen |
| Antonyms | choice, free will, determination | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'fate' vs 'destiny' - 'fate' is often considered more fatalistic., Used inappropriately in a non-physical sense, such as 'fate of feelings'., Omitting articles incorrectly, e.g., 'Fate is inevitable' instead of 'The fate is inevitable.' | Misusing in non-uncertain situations by stating it too casually., Forget to acknowledge the philosophical nature of the phrase., Confusing it with 'what happens, happens,' which is less emphatic. |
| Usage notes | Use 'fate' when discussing destiny or unavoidable events. It's formal enough for serious topics but can also be used casually. Avoid using in overly casual or light conversations. | 'Whatever can happen will happen' is often used to express acceptance of uncertainty and unpredictability. It's suitable for both formal and informal situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Fate vs Whatever can happen will happen
What's the difference between Fate and Whatever can happen will happen?
Fate: What happens to a person or thing in the future. Whatever can happen will happen: Anything that can happen will happen.
Which is more common: Fate and Whatever can happen will happen?
Fate is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Fate: She believed that her fate was sealed the moment she left her hometown. Whatever can happen will happen: In life, whatever can happen will happen, so we must be prepared for anything.
Can I use Fate and Whatever can happen will happen interchangeably?
Not always. Fate and Whatever can happen will 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.