take place vs happen

Both 'take place' and 'happen' are correct phrases used to describe events occurring. 'Take place' is more formal and is often used in written or formal contexts, while 'happen' is more common in everyday spoken English. The choice between the two depends on the level of formality required.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 1482 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in formal or written contexts.

"take place"

Use 'take place' to describe events or occurrences in a formal or written context. It is often used to indicate where or when something happens.

Examples:

The meeting will take place at 3 p.m. in the conference room.
The concert took place in a beautiful outdoor amphitheater.
The wedding will take place next Saturday at the church.
The event is scheduled to take place in the main hall.
The ceremony will take place in the presence of family and friends.

Show examples from the web [+]

This marriage can never take place.
Here is where classroom discussion can take place.
This can take place naturally or artificially.
Reporting should take place without bureaucracy.
Cultivation would also take place in accordance with security rules.
Ethno days take place at Naturist Resort Solaris.
My discussions with the laborers take place without management representatives.
The official inauguration will take place at...
This year the postponed EU-China summit will take place.
Glyn Ford insisted that a debate take place.
Yet production cannot take place without it.
Production cannot take place without exchange.
Registration can take place continuously or on detection of noise.
Cutting can take place longitudinally, transversely and diagonally.
Many high-profile shootings and bombings take place.
Classes take place each day in the residence.
Smuggling does not take place on my watch.
This wedding cannot take place until he is properly prepared.
The Council must not take place.
Captain Butler's willing for the funeral to take place tomorrow morning.

Alternatives:

occur
transpire
happen
come about
be held

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in everyday spoken language.

"happen"

Use 'happen' to describe events or occurrences in everyday spoken English. It is a more informal term compared to 'take place'.

Examples:

What happened at the party last night?
Accidents can happen when you least expect them.
I don't know how it happened, but the vase fell and broke.
It just so happened that I ran into her at the store.
Good things can happen when you least expect them.

Show examples from the web [+]

Everything's happened that can happen.
Anything could happen before five o'clock.
That's what makes everything happen.
Whatever may happen is happening during a geomagnetic storm.
This can only happen through cooperatives.
Most accidents happen within three miles of home.
Whatever future this predicts, we make happen.
Sometimes things happen in life that turn everybody silent.
But this shouldn't happen tomorrow.
There's a reason most crimes happen at night...
If anything should happen, remember...
Most accidents happen close to home.
It can happen on any set.
And I told myself nothing could happen.
But he said nothing would happen.
Accidents happen, even with non-special-needs kids.
Although something exciting did happen last night.
Sometimes fate steps in and makes things happen.
You never know what might happen.
Bad things happen when we're together.

Alternatives:

occur
take place
transpire
come about
be held

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take place vs happen

"take place"

"happen"

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