# happen to sb/sth

CEFR A2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/happen-to-sb-sth
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

Describes an event that affects a person or thing, often without them planning it.

For teachers: An intransitive verb followed by the preposition 'to', indicating the recipient or affected entity of an event or action.

## Examples

- What happened to my keys?
- She looked worried, so I asked her what had happened to her.
- The most profound changes often happen to us when we are least prepared, forcing a re-evaluation of our most cherished beliefs.

## Pitfalls

- Not "What happened you?" but "What happened to you?" — The preposition 'to' is required to connect the event ('happen') with the person or thing it affected.

## Usage notes

- Often used to ask about someone's well-being or the location of a missing object.
- Teaching tip: Contrast 'What happened?' (asking about a general event) with 'What happened to [person]?' (asking about the specific effect on that person).

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.