This happened vs it happened

Both 'this happened' and 'it happened' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'This happened' is used when referring to a specific event or situation that is close in time or relevance, while 'it happened' is more general and can refer to any event or situation.

Last updated: April 05, 2024 • 237 views

This happened

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a specific event or situation that is close in time or relevance.

Use 'this happened' when you want to emphasize a particular event or situation that is recent or relevant to the current conversation.

Examples:

This happened yesterday and I couldn't believe it.
I can't believe this happened right in front of us.

Show examples from the web [+]

This happened less than 90 miles away.
This happened almost twenty five years ago right here on campus.
This happened to Mitt Romney last week.
This happened in late Novemeber, early December.
This happened every time one passed above the hypothetical chimney.
This happened on Kami's watch.
This happened in your town, Sheriff Hood.
This happened to a girl last season.
This happened a stone's throw from your station.
This happened the night before he went dark.
This happened last month on Mutanabbi Street in Baghdad.
This happened before we could get to him.
This happened because you're a human door mat.
This happened with my cousin Donna and her gym teacher.
This happened eight months ago, when the album was being made.
This happened 15 minutes before we got there.
This happened to some people I know.
This happened right near our house.
This happened a few days ago at Iron Heights.
This happened in Greenpoint just a couple of hours ago.

Alternatives:

That happened
Such a thing happened
This event occurred

it happened

This phrase is correct and commonly used in a more general sense to refer to any event or situation.

Use 'it happened' when you want to talk about an event or situation without emphasizing a specific time or relevance.

Examples:

I heard about what happened, but I don't know all the details.
It happened a long time ago, so I don't remember it well.

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:

That happened
Something happened
An event occurred

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