happen along
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To accidentally walk past or arrive at a place at just the right (or wrong) moment.
Literal meaning: To move along a path and have something happen to bring you there.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To arrive at a place by coincidence, especially at a moment that proves significant.
"A kind stranger happened along just as I was struggling to change the flat tyre."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Often used in narratives to describe a fortunate or timely coincidence. Slightly old-fashioned in feel. More common in American English than British English.
Commonly used with
just at the right time by chance luckily fortunately
Forms
Base
happen along
I/you/we/they
3rd person
happens along
he/she/it
Past simple
happened along
yesterday
Past participle
happened along
have + pp
-ing form
happening along
continuous
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