Accident

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "Accident" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to an unexpected event that causes damage or injury. For example, "The accident caused a major traffic jam." Alternative expressions include "incident" and "mishap."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We closed the park immediately whilst preliminary investigations took place and to give our staff time to come to terms with the accident and its aftermath.

The Guardian

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

The New York Times

This was no accident.

The New York Times

He told the BBC's Andrew Marr show: "Sometimes I get the impression that people are waiting for an accident so that they can really focus [on] avoiding a bigger disaster.

The Guardian - Business

The Queen is one of the world's biggest winners, though it has to be said, she only got the job through an accident of birth, and loads of other people might have been as good if they had been given the same chance.

The Guardian - Books

The accident left Zambrano-Montes feeling depressed, says Martha.

The Guardian

Her death on Saturday, which is being treated as a "tragic accident" by both Network Rail and the British Transport police, happened just a few miles down the track from where Olivia and Charlotte were killed.

The Guardian - Business

Footage taken from an emergency ministry helicopter searching for survivors showed clear and calm weather as other trawlers steamed towards the area of the accident.

The Guardian

The inspection looked at the accident and emergency department and the emergency assessment unit (EAU).

The Guardian

The Whitehall source said that the Queen's statement was no accident: "She knew exactly what she was doing.

The Guardian

If you don't make a claim, there is no guarantee that your premium won't go up if you have even a minor accident.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on an "accident", be specific about the type of accident (e.g., car accident, workplace accident) to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "accident" vaguely. Instead of saying 'There was an accident', specify what kind of accident it was, where it happened, and who was involved. This provides more useful information to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The word "accident" primarily functions as a noun, referring to an unexpected event that causes harm or damage. Ludwig AI identifies its core usage in describing unplanned occurrences with negative outcomes. The examples from Ludwig show that it often requires further clarification to specify the nature of the event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "accident" is a commonly used noun that denotes an unplanned event resulting in negative outcomes, such as injury or damage. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage spans various contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media. To enhance clarity, specify the type of "accident" when using the term. Alternatives like "incident" or "mishap" can be used depending on the specific context and severity of the event. Being precise when using "accident" ensures effective communication and avoids ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unexpected incident

Similar to "Accident" but emphasizes the unplanned nature.

Incident

Refers to an event or occurrence, sometimes less serious than an "accident".

Unforeseen event

Highlights the unexpected nature of the occurrence.

Unfortunate event

Emphasizes the negative consequences and bad luck associated with the event.

Mishap

Suggests a minor accident or unfortunate event.

Calamity

Implies a disastrous event with significant negative consequences.

Catastrophe

Denotes a large-scale disaster or tragedy.

Collision

Specifically refers to the act of colliding, often between vehicles.

Crash

Often used in the context of vehicle or aircraft accidents.

Occurrence

A more general term for an event, which may or may not be accidental.

FAQs

How is the term "accident" used in a sentence?

The term "accident" typically functions as a noun. Example: "The "accident" caused a major traffic delay."

What can I say instead of "accident"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "incident", "mishap", or "collision".

Is it correct to say "tragic accident"?

Yes, "tragic accident" is a common and acceptable phrase used to emphasize the unfortunate and devastating nature of the "accident".

What's the difference between "accident" and "incident"?

"Accident" typically implies harm or damage, while "incident" is a more general term for an event that may or may not involve harm.