to happen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to happen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the occurrence of an event or situation. Example: "I didn't expect that to happen during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Happenings need to happen.

The New Yorker

That needs to happen.

The New York Times

"Something's going to happen".

The New York Times

It's going to happen".

The New York Times

Just waiting to happen.

The New York Times

"It needs to happen.

The New York Times

Nothing's going to happen".

The New York Times

(It used to happen).

The New Yorker

Wasn't going to happen.

The New Yorker

"Legislation has to happen.

The New York Times - Arts

Things began to happen.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to happen", ensure the sentence structure clearly indicates what is expected to occur. For instance, specify the subject and context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "to happen" excessively in long, convoluted sentences. Break down complex ideas into simpler sentences for clarity and impact. Replace "to happen" with synonyms like "to occur" or "to take place" to prevent repetition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to happen" functions as an infinitive verb phrase, often used to express the possibility or expectation of an event. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase that can integrate into a variety of sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to happen" is a grammatically sound and frequently used infinitive phrase that conveys the occurrence of an event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It's versatile nature makes it suitable for diverse contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media. While synonyms like "to occur" and "to take place" exist, "to happen" remains a balanced choice for both formal and informal communication. Remembering these nuances will enhance your writing and ensure clarity in expressing events and possibilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to occur

Replaces "happen" with a more formal synonym, implying a similar sense of an event taking place.

to take place

Emphasizes the scheduling or arrangement of an event, similar to "happen" but with a focus on planning.

to come about

Suggests a more gradual or natural process of development, leading to an event.

to transpire

A formal and somewhat literary alternative, suggesting that an event becomes known or evident.

to ensue

Indicates that an event follows as a consequence or result of something else.

to unfold

Implies a gradual revelation or development of events over time.

to materialize

Suggests that something abstract or planned becomes real or concrete.

to fall out

Indicates an unexpected or unplanned consequence or result.

to pass off

Suggests that an event occurs, often without causing problems or being noticed.

to come to pass

An older, more formal way of saying something happens, often with a sense of inevitability.

FAQs

How can I use "to happen" in a sentence?

You can use "to happen" to describe an event or occurrence, such as: "I didn't expect that "to happen" during the meeting", or "What needs "to happen" for us to succeed?"

What are some alternatives to "to happen"?

Alternatives include "to occur", "to take place", or "to come about". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "that will be happen" instead of "that will happen"?

No, "that will be happen" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "that will "to happen"" or "that will happen". The auxiliary verb "be" requires a participle or adjective, not a base verb like "happen".

What is the difference between "to happen" and "to occur"?

While both phrases describe events, ""to happen"" is more general and can refer to planned or unplanned events. ""to occur"" often implies a more formal or specific event.