hap‧pen S1 W1 / hæpən / 动词 [不及物动词]

1 when something happens, there is an event, especially one that is not planned 同义词 occur :

When did the accident happen?

It’s impossible to predict what will happen next.

something/nothing/anything happens

Something terrible has happened.

She carried on as if nothing had happened.

This was bound to happen sooner or later.

This kind of thing happens all the time .

We’ll still be friends, whatever happens .

2 something/anything/what happens to somebody/something if something happens to someone or something, they are affected by an event :

He should be here by now – something must have happened to him.

The same thing happened to me last year.

What’s happened to your coat? It’s all ripped.

3 happen to do something if you happen to do something, you do it by chance :

I happened to see James in town.

4 somebody/something happens to be something used when telling someone something in an angry way :

This happens to be my house!

5 as it happens/it just so happens used to tell someone something that is surprising, interesting, or useful :

As it happens, I know someone who might be able to help.

6 these things happen used to tell someone not to worry about a mistake they have made, an accident they have caused etc :

It’s not your fault – these things happen.

7 whatever happened to somebody/something? used to ask where a person or thing is now :

Whatever happened to Steve? I haven’t seen him for years.

→ accidents (will) happen at accident ( 5 )

THESAURUS

happen used especially when talking about events that have not been planned : When did the accident happen? | Something terrible has happened!

take place to happen – used especially when talking about events that have been planned or that have already happened : The conference will take place on the 16th of June. | The competition took place on Saturday 30th June.

occur formal to happen – used especially when talking about events that have not been planned : The incident occurred outside the police station at around 9 pm.

there is/there are used when saying that a particular event happens : There was an earthquake about a week ago. | There are strikes almost every year.

come up to happen – used about problems, questions, or opportunities : There aren’t any jobs at the moment, but we’ll let you know if something comes up . | This question often comes up when I’m talking to students.

arise formal to happen unexpectedly – used about problems, arguments, or difficult situations : A dispute arose about who should receive the money. | It is best to deal with the problem as soon as it arises.

crop up to happen – used about problems or difficult situations, especially ones that are less serious, and can quickly be dealt with : The banks will contact their customers if a problem crops up.

strike to happen suddenly and unexpectedly – used about very bad events : The hurricane struck at around 1 am. | Disaster struck, and he lost all movement in his legs.

turn out to happen in a particular way : Luckily, everything turned out well. | How did it all turn out?

happen on/upon somebody/something 短语动词 literary or old-fashioned

to find something or meet someone by chance 同义词 come across :

I happened on the restaurant by chance.