happen by

B2 neutral inseparable intransitive

In simple words

To accidentally be near a place at some moment.

Literal meaning: To move past a place and have it happen by chance.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

rare

To pass near or visit a place by coincidence, without any prior intention.

"Do you think anyone will happen by this remote cabin tonight?"

Grammar: inseparable

Usage notes

Mostly used in informal storytelling. Slightly old-fashioned. Common in American English. Often used to describe a lucky or helpful chance encounter.

just chance coincidentally place area store

Base

happen by

I/you/we/they

3rd person

happens by

he/she/it

Past simple

happened by

yesterday

Past participle

happened by

have + pp

-ing form

happening by

continuous

Try:

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