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.
And that might have happened, if the Sex Pistols had booked their first U.S. tour through the kinds of major, music-friendly cities that most bands visit.
From Salon ● Aug. 10, 2026
"This shouldn't have happened," the boyfriend of one of the killed teachers told reporters, clearly distressed and trying to hold back tears.
From BBC ● Aug. 7, 2026
What followed might not have happened without that demonstration.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the shooting "should never have happened".
From Barron's ● Aug. 7, 2026
BEEP: This never would have happened if you’d been there.
From "Hope Springs" by Jaime Berry
