Quite accidentally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Quite accidentally" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or occurrence that happened by chance or without intention. Example: "I stumbled upon an old photograph quite accidentally while cleaning the attic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

PINTER -- It just came together quite accidentally.

The New York Times

The doctor discovered the benefit of this technique quite accidentally.

The New York Times - Health

We got involved in this animosity quite accidentally.

The Washington Post

They – quite accidentally – have become hostages and now are going through all this.

The New York Times

Scientists at the University of Alberta stumbled across the new aphrodisiac quite accidentally.

Independent

They were there, some quite accidentally, to commune with the universe.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

He was a feast for them: so tiny, so vulnerable, so defenceless against anything I might accidentally or not-quite-accidentally do.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But the author can't quite resist accidentally coming in with a few very non-Maddie observations of his own.

The Guardian - Books

When you're building so many model aircraft kits at once, it's quite easy to accidentally put the wrong pilot into the wrong plane.

The Guardian

One called Toxic Boy says his Christmas "was really quite weird./his fumes accidentally burned off Santa Claus' beard".

The New York Times - Arts

Barry C. Silk is back and I must say that I always enjoy his puzzles, even if I do wind up filling in entries accidentally without quite knowing them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite accidentally" to soften the impact of an unintended action, making it sound less severe or blameworthy.

Common error

While "quite accidentally" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "inadvertently" or "unintentionally", especially in formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite accidentally" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifically modifying verbs to describe how an action occurred. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

22%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite accidentally" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that modifies verbs to indicate unintentional actions. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, but more formal synonyms may be preferable in academic or scientific writing. The phrase is commonly found in news, media, and academic sources. When using "quite accidentally", ensure it accurately reflects the unintentional nature of the action and consider alternative phrases for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Entirely by chance

Emphasizes the role of chance more strongly than "quite accidentally".

Purely by coincidence

Highlights the coincidental nature of the event.

Completely unintentionally

Focuses on the lack of intent behind the action.

Wholly inadvertently

A more formal way of saying unintentionally.

Merely by happenstance

Stresses that the event was a random occurrence.

Just by luck

Highlights the element of fortune or good luck.

As luck would have it

An idiomatic expression emphasizing fortunate chance.

Without intending to

Directly states the lack of intention.

Inadvertently

A single-word adverb meaning without intention.

By a fluke

Emphasizes the unusual or improbable nature of the accidental event.

FAQs

How can I use "quite accidentally" in a sentence?

You can use "quite accidentally" to describe an event or occurrence that happened by chance or without intention. For example, "I discovered this hidden feature "quite accidentally" while exploring the app".

What's a more formal way to say "quite accidentally"?

For more formal writing, consider using alternatives like "inadvertently" or "unintentionally". These options convey the same meaning with a slightly more sophisticated tone.

Is it correct to use "quite accidentally" in academic writing?

Yes, "quite accidentally" is grammatically correct and understandable. However, depending on the context, more formal synonyms like "inadvertently" or "unintentionally" might be more appropriate for academic writing.

What is the difference between "accidentally" and "quite accidentally"?

The addition of "quite" emphasizes the accidental nature of the event, suggesting a greater degree of chance or lack of intention. It adds a subtle nuance that might be useful in specific contexts.