that have happened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that have happened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to events or occurrences that took place in the past and are relevant to the present context. Example: "There are many changes in the company that have happened over the last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Could that have happened?

The New Yorker

"When would that have happened?

The New Yorker

How might that have happened?

The New York Times

How could that have happened?

The New York Times

Would that have happened to a white president?

The New York Times

How could that have happened if they were not involved?

The New York Times

Look at all of the arrests that have happened.

The Guardian - Money

Architecturally, what are the best and worst things that have happened there since your childhood?

The New York Times

"Things like abuse?" "Things that have happened to them," she repeats, crossly.

The Guardian

Are you aware of all the changes that have happened to pensions?

Independent

It happened against the backdrop of all the other things that have happened before".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that have happened" to refer to events completed in the past that have relevance or impact on the current situation being discussed.

Common error

While "that have happened" is grammatically correct, overuse can lead to passive voice. Strive for active constructions to make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "changes that have happened", consider "changes we've made".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that have happened" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun and specifying events completed in the past. Examples from Ludwig show it describing changes, things, or events relevant to the present context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

15%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that have happened" functions as a relative clause, referring to events completed in the past and relevant to the current context. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It serves to provide background information or establish a timeline. While suitable for various contexts, it is most frequently found in news and media, science, and general writing. Remember to avoid overuse, opting for active constructions for clearer and more engaging writing. Consider alternatives like "that have occurred" or "that have taken place" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that have occurred

A synonym replacement for "happened", suitable for formal contexts.

that have taken place

A more formal and direct substitute for "that have happened".

that transpired

Replaces "happened" with a more formal synonym, indicating an event that has occurred.

that have arisen

Indicates that these events have emerged or come into existence.

that have come to pass

Emphasizes the realization or fulfillment of events.

that have unfolded

Suggests a gradual revelation or development of events.

that have ensued

Implies that these events followed as a consequence of something else.

that have resulted

Focuses on the outcome or consequence of previous actions or events.

that were experienced

Focuses on the act of undergoing events, highlighting personal or collective experiences.

that have befallen

Suggests that the events were experienced, often with a negative connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "that have happened" in a sentence?

Use "that have happened" to describe events or occurrences completed in the past and relevant to a present context. For example, "Consider all the events "that have happened" since the beginning of the year."

What are some alternatives to "that have happened"?

You can use alternatives such as "that have occurred", "that have taken place", or "that transpired" depending on the level of formality required.

Is "that have happened" grammatically correct?

Yes, "that have happened" is grammatically correct. It functions as a relative clause referring to past events. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

What's the difference between "that have happened" and "that happened"?

"That happened" refers to a single event in the past, while "that have happened" refers to multiple events or a continuous series of events up to the present. For example, "the accident "that happened"" versus "the changes "that have happened" since then".