(1)takeplace一般指非偶然性事件的“发生”,即这种事件的发生一定有某种原因或事先的安排,例如:
Greatchangeshavetakenplaceinourhometownduringthepasttenyears.
TheOlympicGamesof2008hastakenplaceinBeijing.
(2)happen一般用于偶然或突发性事件,例如:
Whathappenedtoyou?(一般不说:Whatdidyouhappen?)
Maybesomethingunexpectedhappened.
Ihappenedtoseehimonmywayhome.=IthappenedthatIsawhimonmywayhome.