make happen

Meanings

1. 1phrasephrasal verb

   to cause something to occur or become real, especially through effort.

   Grammar: Takes an object: make a change happen. The object usually comes between make and happen.

   Patterns

   • make something happen
   • make it happen
   • make things happen

   She worked hard to make her dream happen.

   The new manager made changes happen quickly.

   We need a plan to make this event happen.

2. 2phrasephrasal verb

   to cause someone to succeed or achieve something, often used in encouragement.

   Grammar: Often used with a person as the object: make someone happen. Can also be used with it: make it happen.

   Patterns

   • make someone happen
   • make it happen

   The coach believed in her and made her happen as a player.

   Don't wait for opportunities; make them happen yourself.

   With the right support, we can make it happen.

Common combinations

make something happen

They made the project happen despite many problems.

make it happen

If you want a better future, you have to make it happen.

make things happen

She is a leader who makes things happen.

make a change happen

It takes courage to make a change happen.

Synonyms and how they differ

cause

More formal and often used for negative events: cause an accident. Make happen is more neutral and often implies effort.

bring about

More formal and means to make something happen, especially a change or improvement.

realize

Formal; means to make something real or achieve it, often used for goals and dreams.

Opposites

Word family

happen verb

to take place or occur

happening noun

an event or occurrence

Commonly confused: make happen or make it?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “make happen”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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