/ˈhæpən/
Translation
To take place, often without being planned.
Word origin
From Middle English happenen, from hap meaning chance or luck.
- Origin
- Middle English
- Root
- hap
Grammar
Examples
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"Happen" means to take place.
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"Happens" is the form used with he, she, or it.
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"Happened" is the past form of "happen".
When something happens, it takes place, often without being planned. The past form is "happened".
Where this fits
Used in
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Grammar articles
(18)Comparatives and superlatives in English: the complete guide
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Future continuous and future perfect in English: will be doing vs will have done
Future in the past: was going to, would, was about to, and the grammar of plans that failed
Who, What, Where, When, Why and How: The English Question Words
Inversion and word order in English: the subject-verb-object spine and when it flips
Passive voice in English: rules, examples and when to use it
Past modals in English: should have, could have, must have and might have
Past perfect tense: had plus past participle, and when English actually needs it
Phrasal verbs: 100 examples with meanings
Phrasal Verbs with Come: 13 Meanings You Actually Need
Phrasal Verbs with Go: 14 Meanings You Actually Need
Phrasal verbs in English: what they are, meanings, rules and examples
Question tags in English: the mirror rule, aren't I, and tags after let's and imperatives
The subjunctive and the unreal past in English: I suggest he go, if I were you, and it's time we left
English tenses explained: all 12 with a master table
Wish and if only in English: wish + past, wish + past perfect, wish + would, and why I wish I would is wrong
Word formation with prefixes: un-, in-, im-, dis-, re-, over-, under- and mis-
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happen: worksheet, infographic and listicle
Free printable study downloads for the English word "happen" (To take place, often without being planned.): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free weekThis word is part of lesson 3.