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."
inseparable
happen along
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To arrive or pass by a place by chance, without planning to be there.
In plain English
To accidentally walk past or arrive at a place at just the right (or wrong) moment.
What does "happen along" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move along a path and have something happen to bring you there.
Actually means
To accidentally walk past or arrive at a place at just the right (or wrong) moment.
Usage tip
Often used in narratives to describe a fortunate or timely coincidence. Slightly old-fashioned in feel. More common in American English than British English.
Words that pair with "happen along"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
just at the right time by chance luckily fortunately
How to conjugate "happen along"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "happen along" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "happen along" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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