What does "happen by" mean (sense 1)?

To pass near or visit a place by coincidence, without any prior intention. Example: "Do you think anyone will happen by this remote cabin tonight?"

happen by

B2 neutral inseparable intransitive

To pass by or visit a place by chance, without intending to.

In plain English

To accidentally be near a place at some moment.

One main meaning — here's how to use it.

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?"

inseparable

Words literally mean

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

Actually means

To accidentally be near a place at some moment.

Usage tip

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

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

just chance coincidentally place area store

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

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

Listen to native speakers using "happen by" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

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