Search from various English teachers...
nozturk
"I happen to like it." What does "happen" mean there?
Feb 21, 2012 1:05 AM
Answers · 4
hi
Apr 15, 2026 5:59 PM
When you say "I happen to like it", it usually has the feeling that you like something despite everyone else's opinion. Sometimes there will be emphasis on the word "I" and the sentence might start with "Well." I think the dictionary meaning of "happen" in this instance is: to do, encounter, or attain something by or as if by chance. As I said before, it implies that you came up with this opinion on your own, not because of what others may think.
February 21, 2012
actually/unexpectedly/against the popular opinion/ no matter what you or anyone else says, I happen to like it :)
Got to be old English writing style - it doth happen upon me this fine morning of October hehehehe I dunno :D
February 21, 2012
In this case "happen to" is used idiomatically to say that you disagree with the majority opinion.
For instance: "Man, that movie was terrible." "Well _I_ happen to think it was great." / "New Jersey is the worst place in the world." "Well, I'm from Jersey and I happen to believe that it's a wonderful place."
February 21, 2012
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!
nozturk
Language Skills
English, Turkish
Learning Language
English
Articles You May Also Like

How to Answer “How Was Your Weekend?” Naturally in English
28 likes · 11 Comments

Why Some Jokes Don’t Translate: Understanding Humor in English
10 likes · 2 Comments

How to Talk About Your Strengths and Weaknesses Professionally
9 likes · 3 Comments
More articles
