happen to

happen to
phrasal verb [transitive]
Word forms "happen to":
he/she/it happens to present participle happening to past tense happened to past participle happened to
1)
a) happen to someone if something happens to you, an event or action takes place which affects you

This is the best thing that's ever happened to me.

b) happen to something used for talking about the way that something changes or develops

We don't understand what is happening to the economy.

2) if anything happens to someone used as a way of avoiding talking directly about something bad that might take place

I'd never forgive myself if anything has happened to her because I didn't go to meet her.

If anything happens to me (= if I die), you'll have plenty of money to live on.

3) what (has) happened to something
spoken used for asking where something is

What's happened to the newspaper that was on the table?

4) what/whatever happened to someone used for asking where someone is now and what they are doing

Whatever happened to your friend George?

5) what/whatever happened to something
spoken used for asking why something does not happen or exist now

Whatever happened to the idea of being innocent until proven guilty?


English dictionary. 2014.

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