happen
Translation
to occur, to take place
Examples
Accidents can happen at any time.
Accidents can happen at any time.
What happened to your leg?
What happened to your leg?
I happen to know his sister.
I happen to know his sister.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to occur What will happen?
((to sb./sth.)) to occur to (sb./sth.) What happened to you?
((to-inf)) to do (sth.) by chance I happen to know the answer.
Similar Words
Synonyms: occur, take place, transpire
Etymology
From Middle English 'hapnen', from 'hap' meaning chance or fortune.
Memory Tips
Think of 'What's up?' being similar to 'What's happening?'. It's about events taking place.