happen crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "happen" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track and complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "happen crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
OCCUR: To take place; come about.
ENSUE: To happen or occur afterward or as a result.
ARISE: To come into being or attention.
6 Letters
BEFALL: To happen to (someone or something).
APPEAR: To become visible or noticeable, implying something comes into being.
9 Letters
TRANSPIRE: To occur; happen.
COMEABOUT: To happen or take place.
More About "happen crossword clue"
"Happen" is a quintessential crossword clue because of its rich tapestry of synonyms, making it adaptable to various word lengths and puzzle contexts. It frequently appears in daily crosswords, often requiring solvers to think about subtle nuances in meaning, such as whether an event simply occurs, results from something, or happens by chance.
Crossword setters love using such versatile words as they allow for creative clueing. For instance, "happen" might be clued as "Take place," "Occur," "Befall," or even in a more abstract sense like "Chance upon." Recognizing these variations is key to successfully solving puzzles that feature this common verb.
Our goal here is to provide you with all possible angles and answers, ensuring you can confidently fill in those tricky blanks, regardless of the specific setter's intention for "happen."
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always start by noting the number of letters in the blank. This immediately narrows down your options significantly, especially for a clue like "happen" with many synonyms.
- Look at Surrounding Letters: Check any letters that are already filled in from intersecting words. These crucial hints can quickly guide you to the correct answer among similar-length possibilities (e.g., OCCUR vs. ENSUE).
- Think About Nuance: While "happen" generally means 'occur,' some synonyms carry specific nuances. "ENSUE" implies a result, "BEFALL" implies something happening *to* someone. If the clue has other words, they might hint at such specific meanings.
- Synonym Brainstorming: For common words like "happen," mentally list as many synonyms as you can. This increases your chances of hitting on the intended answer, even if it's less common.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there so many answers for 'happen'?
Clues like 'happen' are common in crosswords because the word has numerous synonyms. This gives setters flexibility to use different word lengths and nuances, making the clue adaptable to various grid patterns and difficulty levels. It's a very versatile concept in the English language, leading to many potential solutions.
What's the best strategy for 'happen' clues?
The best strategy is to first consider the letter count of the blank. Then, look at any letters already filled in from intersecting words. Common synonyms like OCCUR, ENSUE, BEFALL, or TRANSPIRE are good starting points. Also, consider if the clue implies a specific context or tense.
Does 'happen' ever mean something else in crosswords?
While 'happen' most commonly points to synonyms for 'occur' or 'take place,' in more cryptic or complex clues, it might hint at concepts like 'chance' or 'fortune' (as in 'happenstance'). Always consider the broader context of the clue and other words in the puzzle.