Recherche parmi différents professeurs en Anglais…
Diana Rose
Can we say "What happens? " Can we say "What happens? "/ "What does happen?"
12 sept. 2018 21:22
Commentaires · 7
3

Hiya Diana. Yes of course we can say that in English but it depends on the context. You will need to tell us the context and what specific thing you want to say.

"What happens?" means "what always happens?"

For example, here is a question: "if you are late for class, what happens?" Answer: "the teacher is angry." This means "always / usually". It means you're talking about something that's usually / always the same way.

The next one is different. If you say "what does happen?" it means that somebody has just told you what does not happen and now you want to ask what does happen.


For example  "if you are late for class, what happens? Does the teacher cry?"


"No, that does not happen."


"Oh, I see. Well, what does happen?"




12 septembre 2018
2
The reason we usually say “What happens (when)…”, without inversion, is that “what” is the subject. “What does happen” would only be used for emphasis.

If “what” is the object, then we use inversion with the subject: “What do you like to do in your free time?”
12 septembre 2018
1
Thank you,  Kerry,  Phil and SHL.. . 
12 septembre 2018
1
You can say „what happens“ but it`s an incomplete sentence or thought. What happens about what?
12 septembre 2018
1
Thank you
:)

12 septembre 2018
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