TextRanch
The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

TextRanch Editors

it had to happen vs it had to happened

The correct phrase is 'it had to happen.' 'Happen' is the base form of the verb that should be used after 'had to.' 'Happened' is the past participle form and is not appropriate in this context.
Jennifer profile picture

Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 27, 2025 • 5162 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"it had to happen"

This phrase is used to express that something was inevitable or bound to occur. 'Happen' is the correct base form of the verb to use after 'had to.'

Examples:

  • I knew it had to happen eventually.
  • It had to happen sooner or later.
  • They said it had to happen for the project to succeed.
  • Sometimes things just had to happen.
  • It had to happen that way.
  • For that to come true, it had to happen while she was in Somalia.
  • I hate that this is happening, but it had to happen.
  • I know this has been quite an ordeal for you, but it had to happen.
  • I guess it had to happen sooner or later.
  • I prayed that if it had to happen, it happened to someone else.
  • There was nothing we could do about it, it had to happen.
  • Look, it had to happen at some point.
  • If it had to happen, one way or another, it would've.
  • Look, if it had to happen, It's good that it happened like this, okay?
  • If it had to happen to one of us, why did it have to be you?
  • It had to happen one day.
  • It had to happen, we're in love.
  • It had to happen sooner or later.
  • It had to happen like this, for you to be confused with others, for people to think you can't distinguish dream from reality.
  • On the one hand, I was sure that... that it had to happen and that I wanted to die.
  • Guess it had to happen sometime.
  • It is unfortunate that it had to happen with everything gone so well.
  • I mean, it had to happen eventually.
  • I'm sorry it had to happen like this, Lindsay.
  • Shane, it had to happen like that.

This phrase is incorrect. 'Happened' is the past participle form of the verb and should not be used after 'had to.'

"it had to happened"

  • If J.R. And Marta did business, it had to have happened there.
  • Osterman. Almost as if it had to him happened to you.
  • Kind of wish it had happened to me.
  • If it had happened to them instead of their brother...
  • - Suppose it had happened to Teresa.
  • If it had happened to you, you would've done exactly what I did.
  • If it had happened to someone else, I wouldn't have understood it.
  • But, as it had happened to our village for so many centuries we rebuilt our lives.
  • If it hadn't happened to me, I would find it hard to accept.
  • I saw him on Michael's ship, but I did not realize it had happened to so many.
  • I prayed that if it had to happen, it happened to someone else.
  • It had to have happened before New Year's, after that night it was only you.
  • If it hadn't happened to me, I wouldn't believe it either.
  • But if it had happened to you, you know how awful you'd feel.
  • but everyone in the trade said that it had happened to them the result would have been the same because a front waiter has only one point of honor.
  • About the biggest thing to happened in Glenwood Bay.
  • Things're... when everybody's ready for that to happened.
  • Everything that happened at Briarcliff happened under your authority.
  • What happened was just something that happened.
  • So whatever happened happened at that party.

Related Comparisons

"want it to happen" vs "want it happen" "it began to ring" vs "it has began to ring" "it has had to happened" vs "it has had to happen" "to make this happen" vs "to have made this happen" "it may happen" vs "it may happens" "when did this happen" vs "when did it happen"

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

  • Emails and short texts
  • Proofreading & editing
  • Ready in 5-10 minutes
SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

  • Documents of any type (*.docx)
  • Advanced & Premium editing
  • Ready in as little as 4 hours
UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

  • Personalized answers to your language questions
  • Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
  • Ready in 24 hours
ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Powered By Humans

TextRanch Editors

AI is a great tool, but when it comes to perfecting your writing, we rely on real human editors.

  • All our editors are native English speakers.
  • Each editor has passed a rigorous admission test to ensure quality.
  • Our global team is ready to correct any text, anytime.

MEET OUR EDITORS

TextRanch Editors

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

People Feedback 4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Profile picture of Zubair from Bangladesh

Zubair
from Bangladesh From

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Profile picture of Arturo from Mexico

Arturo
from Mexico From

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Profile picture of Selena from USA

Selena
from USA From

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Profile picture of Ifiok from Nigeria

Ifiok
from Nigeria From

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Profile picture of Wilson from France

Wilson
from France From

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Profile picture of Susan from Germany

Susan
from Germany From

Trusted by Hundreds Teams

Facebook logo
Accenture logo
Air Asia logo
AirBus logo
Amazon logo
Bayer logo
Decathlon logo
Docusign logo
Ebay logo
Fiverr logo
Fossil logo
Keller Williams logo
LinkedIn logo
Loreal logo
Motorola logo
Orange logo
Roche logo
Salesforce logo
Stellantis logo