happen
verb (used without object)
to take place; come to pass; occur.
have happened
-
present perfectof happen.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
These models allowed the researchers to estimate what might have happened to biodiversity and forest carbon stocks under different conservation approaches compared with what actually occurred.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 21, 2026
“We removed it from our channels and are working to remove it everywhere it appeared. This should not have happened, and we will do better.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 19, 2026
The siblings eventually heard two stories about what might have happened to their dad.
From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2026
"A lot of things have happened over the last few years which are outside our control," he said.
From Barron's ● Sep. 11, 2026
“It never would have happened if you hadn’t given me that puzzler.”
From "Willodeen" by Katherine Applegate
