happen
verb (used without object)
to take place; come to pass; occur.
have been happening
-
present perfect progressiveof happen.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Expanding residential development, farmer consolidation and ranch land being converted to hunting grounds in western states have been happening for years.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 11, 2026
It is also unclear whether peace talks between the US and Iran have been happening.
From BBC ● Mar. 29, 2026
But lately, those recoveries have been happening more quickly.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 11, 2025
But that’s where the lawsuit was brought because that’s where the bulk of these ICE actions have been happening, and immigrants are just deeply, deeply connected to the community here.
From Slate ● Aug. 8, 2025
“Besides,” she went on, her eyes twinkling, “some incredible things have been happening in the real estate market since the sixties. I just sold Garland for seventeen million dollars.”
From "Schooled" by Gordon Korman
