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.
Alder Hey Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said her "tragic" death "should not have happened".
From BBC ● Oct. 31, 2026
Fox said the contract “might have happened fast” but was won in “the proper way.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2026
However, the overriding sentiment that these two tragedies have generated is one of confusion and a failure to comprehend how this could have happened.
From BBC ● Oct. 29, 2026
A convincing research design must establish what would have happened without the program—the counterfactual.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 28, 2026
“Just imagine,” Khrushchev continued, savoring the moment, “what would have happened had a Soviet aircraft appeared over New York, Chicago or Detroit! How would the United States have reacted?”
From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin
