third-person singular verb
An event takes place or occurs.
It happens sometimes.
The change happens slowly.
American English
How to pronounce happens
verbA2Very common word
HAApnz
/ˈhæ.pn̩z/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Form of happen
In the present tense, happens is used with he, she, it, or a singular noun.
An event takes place or occurs.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
third-person singular verb
Something takes place in someone's life or experience, often unexpectedly.
Something unexpected happens to him every week.
What happens to your brother when he skips lunch?
third-person singular verb
Someone does something or is somewhere by chance, without planning it.
She happens to know the answer.
He happens to live near my office.
Useful expressions
to take action so that something desired occurs
We have a plan. Now let's make it happen.
this is normal; problems like this can occur
I forgot the tickets. It happens.
used to ask about the result of a possible situation
What happens if I miss the bus?