That only happen vs That only happens

The correct phrase is "that only happens." The verb "happens" should agree with the singular subject "that." This phrase is often used in English to indicate that something occurs in a specific way or under specific conditions.

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Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: February 21, 2025 • 5852 views

This phrase is incorrect. The verb "happen" does not agree with the singular subject "that."

"That only happen"

The correct phrase is "that only happens." Use this phrase when you want to emphasize that something occurs in a specific way or under specific conditions.

Alternatives:

that only happens
that only occurs
that only takes place
that only transpires
that only unfolds

This phrase is correct. The verb "happens" agrees with the singular subject "that."

"That only happens"

Use this phrase when you want to emphasize that something occurs in a specific way or under specific conditions.

Examples:

That only happens when the conditions are just right.
I've noticed that it only happens on Fridays.
Is it a coincidence that it only happens when she's around?
The phenomenon that only happens once in a lifetime.
The magic that only happens in fairy tales.

Show examples from the web [+]

That only happens if the bones have been cleaned and treated.
That only happens in a second or third meeting.
But then I realised that passion is something that only happens to other people.
I know that only happens in movies, but I do.
That only happens if somebody high up on the inside's being paid off.
For a transit to happen, it has to overtake us, but that only happens once every 1.6 years.
That only happens with dogs.
That only happens when you're a little high.
That only happens if Daksha doesn't run.
That only happens about 80 times a day.
That only happens after you help me out.
That only happens, like, once every 1,000 years.
The eye muscle weakness that caused your parallel vision, That only happens with MG.
That only happens, however, in the event that you take my last name.
That only happens when a female hamster's pregnant and super sensitive or when they're stressed out.
That only happens to some babies when they're really, really little.
Even I know that only happens in overblown and possibly illegal teen dramas.
Venus and Saturn are aligned in a convergence that only happens once in 1,000 years.
Now that only happens if you find Quinn.
Please, that only happens to older women.

Alternatives:

that only occurs
that only takes place
that only transpires
that only unfolds
that only comes about

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That only happen vs That only happens

"That only happen"

"That only happens"

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