What does the phrasal verb “happen to” mean?

What are the definitions of “happen to”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. To occur or take place.

  If anything happens to me (=if I die), you’ll have plenty of money to live on.

• 2. To occur or take place unexpectedly.

  This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

• 3. To occur or take place.

  Whatever happened to your friend George?

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “happen to”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb happen to is to occur or take place, often unexpectedly or by chance. It can be used to describe events, situations, or experiences that affect someone or something.

What are the different verb forms of “happen to”?

Root Verb	happen to
Third Person Singular Present	happens to
Present Participle	happening to
Simple Past	happened to
Past Participle	happened to

Example

What will happen to us if we don't find a solution?

Example

If something happens to him, I don't know what I'll do.

Example

It's happening to everyone, not just you.

Example

It happened to me last year, and I learned a lot from it.

Example

This has happened to many people before.

What kind of phrasal verb is “happen to”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Intransitive verb

“happen to” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

Example

Accidents happen to everyone.

Example

What happened to your plans for the weekend?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“happen to” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

Accidents happen to everyone.

Example

What happened to your plans for the weekend?

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “happen to”?

Happen to know/be/see

Used to ask if someone knows something or has experienced something, often in a polite or indirect way.

Example

Do you happen to know the time of the next train?

Happen to come across/across

To find or meet someone or something by chance.

Example

I happened to come across an old photo of us while cleaning my room.

Happen to think/feel/believe

Used to express one's opinion or feelings, often in a polite or indirect way.

Example

I happen to think that this is a great idea.

Good things to know

Does “happen to” have an informal or formal tone?

Happen to is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “happen to”?

Synonyms

• occur
• transpire
• arise
• develop
• emerge
• take place
• come about
• ensue

Antonyms

• cease
• halt
• stop
• prevent
• avoid
• avert