If a situation or event happens to someone or something, it has an effect on that person or thing: Both what happens and what is happening are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. What happens refers to a general or habitual occurrence, while what is happening refers to something currently in progress. verb happen, occur, or be the case in the course of events or by chance “It happens that today is my birthday” synonyms: bechance, befall see more The meaning of HAPPEN is to occur by chance —often used with it. How to use happen in a sentence. “Happenes” is a misspelling of the word “happens”. You should not use “happenes” in English. We use “Happens” with the third person singular for the verb “to happen”. Happen” is a strange verb because we do not usually use “happen” with human subjects. Synonyms for HAPPENS: occurs, is, comes, does, passes, transpires, befalls, comes down, goes on, chances 1. to take place; come to pass; occur. 2. to come to pass by chance; occur without apparent reason or design. 3. to have the fortune or lot (to do or be as specified); chance: I happened to see him on the street. 4. to befall, as to a person or thing: Don't worry; nothing happened to her. Happen means ‘occur’ and most commonly ‘occur by chance’: … Happen it'll rain later on. If you want to know what is happening in the world, you have to read the newspapers. No one knows exactly what happened, but several people have been hurt. What happened to Phil? I thought he would be here by now. happen (third-person singular simple present happens, present participle happening, simple past and past participle happened) (intransitive) To occur or take place. Find 54 different ways to say HAPPENS, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus.com.