it happened vs it happens

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'It happened' is used to refer to something that occurred in the past, while 'it happens' is used to describe something that occurs regularly or as a general truth.

Last updated: April 06, 2024 • 121 views

it happened

This phrase is correct and commonly used to refer to something that occurred in the past.

Use 'it happened' when you want to talk about an event or situation that took place in the past.

Examples:

I can't believe it happened.
It happened so quickly that I didn't even see it.
What happened last night?
It happened a long time ago.
I remember when it happened.

Show examples from the web [+]

Only this time it happened so quickly.
Or any night since it happened.
All of it happened so that we could open the hatch.
But I can't stand Merkl any more since it happened.
What hit him or who or where it happened.
They even say it happened at Verdun...
This child was born when it happened.
I know, but it happened.
Buffy's been so down since it happened.
You know, it happened so fast.
Most of it happened when I was in college.
You said it, d it happened.
Connor and your brother weren't here when it happened.
We were on our way out there when it happened.
I don't know why it happened.
He was with me when it happened.
We were in the visitors' gallery when it happened.
She was standing on a concrete floor when it happened.
Forensics is at work where it happened last night.
They need to know why it happened, whether it'll happen again.

Alternatives:

it occurred
it took place
it transpired
it went down
it went on

it happens

This phrase is correct and commonly used to describe something that occurs regularly or as a general truth.

Use 'it happens' when you want to talk about something that is a common occurrence or a general truth.

Examples:

It happens all the time.
When you least expect it, it happens.
It happens to everyone at some point.
It happens when you least expect it.
It happens more often than you think.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: October 28, 2024

Jul 31, 2018 ... Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group It Happens · Sugarland Love On The Inside ℗ 2008 Mercury Records, a Division of UMG Recordings, ...
How It Happens follows the story of author Jean Alicia Elster's maternal grandmother, Dorothy May Jackson. Born in Tennessee in 1890, Dorothy May was the middle ...
May 3, 2014 ... As It Happens | Pacific Crest Trail. 1.1M views · 10 years ago ...more. As It Happens. 9.27K. Subscribe. 16K. Share.
CBC Radio's As It Happens' listening experience is like taking a trip around the world. From the complex headlines of the day to the weird and wacky, As It ...
Aug 5, 2020 ... The Room Where It Happens feels like the ultimate Hamilton song. It has everything I love about the show, amazing dancing, great music and lyrics.
It Happens Every Spring (1949) - Does it hold up? We went way back to watch this one. By Jeremy Greco@Hokius May 23, 2020, 12:00pm EDT. Share this story.
Oct 2, 2022 ... In The Room Where It Happens, what is being said after "Congress is fighting over where to put the capital ______, it isn't pretty"? I can ...
The Room(s) Where It Happens by Jessica Ch'ng. You've hit submit. What Comes Next? January 9, 2019. in Admissions,; Advice,; Best from staff,; Best of the ...
It Happens Like This - I was outside St. Cecelia's Rectory.
You Will Never Truly Understand {until it happens to you}. There are some things you just can't know until you experience them. You think you know, but ...

Alternatives:

it occurs
it takes place
it transpires
it goes down
it goes on

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