A1verb1K

Happen

UK /["/ˈhæpən/","/ˈhæpənz/","/ˈhæpənd/","/ˈhæpənɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈhæpən/","/ˈhæpənz/","/ˈhæpənd/","/ˈhæpənɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to take place, especially without being planned

In simple words: To take place or occur.

Examples

  • What will happen if it rains tomorrow?
  • So many good things happen when you are positive.
  • I didn't expect that to happen at all.
  • Can you tell me what happened at the meeting?
  • Sometimes, surprising things happen in life.

Usage notes

Use 'happen' in everyday conversation. Avoid using it in very formal writing. It's appropriate for casual discussions but may sound too informal in academic contexts.

Grammar pattern

happen + to + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'happen' — imagine something 'hopping' into existence.

Collocations

  • actually
  • really
  • just
  • be going to
  • be likely to
  • be bound to
  • to
  • actually
  • really
  • just
  • be going to
  • be likely to
  • be bound to
  • to

Synonyms

  • occur
  • take place
  • transpire
  • arise
  • come about

Antonyms

  • cease
  • stop
  • prevent

Common mistakes

  • 'Happens' used without a subject (e.g., 'Happens often' instead of 'It happens often')
  • Confusing 'happen' with 'occur' (the latter is more formal)
  • 'Happen' used with a non-specific subject (e.g., 'Happen in the park' should be 'It happens in the park')