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UK//haʊ kən ðæt ˈhæp.ən//US//haʊ kæn ðæt ˈhæp.ən//

Meaning of How can that happen

A way to inquire about how an event or situation occurs.

In simple words: A question asking about the possibility of an event occurring.

How can that happen in a sentence

  • How can that happen in such a short time?
  • When I saw the news, I thought, 'How can that happen?'
  • How can that happen without anyone noticing it?
  • After the accident, she kept repeating, 'How can that happen?'
  • I asked him, 'How can that happen to such a nice person?'

How to use How can that happen

Used to express surprise or confusion about something. Common in conversations but may be less formal in writing.

Grammar pattern

how + can + subject + verb

Memory hint

Imagine asking how a magic trick is done.

Related words

Collocations with How can that happen

  • If that can happen
  • Wonder how that can happen
  • Ask how that can happen

Synonyms for How can that happen

  • How is that possible?
  • What caused that?
  • How could that take place?

Common mistakes with How can that happen

  • Omitting 'can' and saying 'How that happen?'
  • Confusing with 'Why that happen?' which shifts meaning.
  • Using it to make an accusation rather than a genuine question.

How can that happen appears in

How can that happen in other languages

More chunks like How can that happen

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Frequently asked questions about How can that happen

What does How can that happen mean?

A question asking about the possibility of an event occurring.

What is the definition of How can that happen?

A way to inquire about how an event or situation occurs.

How do you use How can that happen in a sentence?

How can that happen in such a short time?

Can you give another example of How can that happen?

When I saw the news, I thought, 'How can that happen?'

What are synonyms for How can that happen?

Common alternatives include How is that possible?, What caused that?, How could that take place?.

What words go with How can that happen?

It commonly pairs with If that can happen, Wonder how that can happen, Ask how that can happen.

What are common mistakes when using How can that happen?

Omitting 'can' and saying 'How that happen?' Confusing with 'Why that happen?' which shifts meaning. Using it to make an accusation rather than a genuine question.

How do you pronounce How can that happen?

US: //haʊ kæn ðæt ˈhæp.ən//, UK: //haʊ kən ðæt ˈhæp.ən//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use How can that happen?

Used to express surprise or confusion about something. Common in conversations but may be less formal in writing.