Laxi Dictionary

English Dictionary

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Definition happen to in British English

happen to phrasal verb

[transitive] phrasal verb
1

if something happens to you, an event or action takes place which affects you

Example

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

Synonyms and related words
happen come about occur
1.1

used for talking about the way that something changes or develops

Example

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

Synonyms and related words
transition change turn into
2

used as a way of avoiding talking directly about something bad that might take place

Example

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

Example

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

3

used for asking where something is

Example

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

Synonyms and related words
after you any chance of...? any luck?
4

used for asking where someone is now and what they are doing

Example

Whatever happened to your friend George?

Synonyms and related words
after you any chance of...? any luck?
5

used for asking why something does not happen or exist now

Example

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

Synonyms and related words
after you any chance of...? any luck?
Definition happen to in British English