Happen vs. Happens

Attribute	Happen	Happens
Definition	Take place or occur	Take place or occur
Verb form	Present simple	Present simple
Usage	Can be used as a standalone verb	Can be used as a standalone verb
Subject	Can be followed by a subject	Can be followed by a subject
Conjugation	Conjugates as "happen, happened, happened"	Conjugates as "happen, happens, happened"

Definition

Both "happen" and "happens" are verbs that are used to describe events or occurrences. "Happen" is the base form of the verb, while "happens" is the third person singular form. This means that "happens" is used when referring to something that is currently taking place or has taken place in the past. For example, "It happens every day" or "It happened yesterday."

Usage

One key difference between "happen" and "happens" is their usage in sentences. "Happen" is used in the present tense for all subjects except for third person singular. For example, "I happen to like chocolate" or "They happen to be friends." On the other hand, "happens" is used specifically for third person singular subjects, such as "He happens to be late" or "She happens to know the answer."

Conjugation

When it comes to conjugation, "happen" follows a regular pattern in English. It changes to "happens" in the third person singular form, but remains the same for all other subjects. This makes it relatively easy to use in sentences without having to worry about irregular conjugations. On the other hand, "happens" is a bit more specific in its usage, as it is only used for third person singular subjects. This can make it slightly more challenging to use correctly in sentences.

Frequency

Another difference between "happen" and "happens" is their frequency of use in everyday language. While both words are commonly used, "happen" is more versatile and can be used with a wider range of subjects. This makes it a more commonly used verb in everyday conversation. On the other hand, "happens" is more limited in its usage, as it is only used for third person singular subjects. This can make it less commonly used in everyday language.

Examples

To better understand the differences between "happen" and "happens," let's look at some examples of how they are used in sentences:

• "It happens every day that she forgets her keys."
• "I happen to know the answer to that question."
• "He happens to be my neighbor."
• "Accidents happen all the time."

Conclusion

In conclusion, while "happen" and "happens" are both verbs used to describe events or occurrences, they have distinct differences in their usage, conjugation, frequency, and examples. Understanding these differences can help you use them correctly in sentences and improve your overall English language skills.