What is the meaning of the term "happen to be"?

Status
Not open for further replies.

dutich

New member
Joined
Jun 7, 2007
Member Type
Student or Learner



"They happened to be very nice."
what doesn't it mean?
Thank you!
 

Delmobile

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 7, 2007
Member Type
Other
"Happen" means to occur by accident or chance. "I walked by the deli last night, and although it was after business hours, the owner happened to be there [or, it happened that the owner was there]. He sold me two salamis." Without knowing the context of your example, I would guess that the author has added the sense of "against expectations" - "I didn't hope for much quality, since I bought the salamis on sale, but they happened to be very nice."
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top