a casual encounter

USAGE SUMMARY

"a casual encounter" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a chance meeting or a fleeting meeting with someone. For example, "After months apart, the couple had a casual encounter on the street one day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Robbins's simplest improvisations have the dreamlike quality of a casual encounter gone subtly awry.

The New Yorker

A casual encounter with a charming young girl from the South who spends a few moments on a park bench.

The New Yorker

IN 1938, a casual encounter in Washington, DC, inspired one of the most remarkable documents in American music and culture.

The Economist

Women wait until their thirties when the chances of a casual encounter resulting in pregnancy are less.

The Economist

Instead what seemed like a casual encounter mushroomed into a lengthy incarceration and an extended cause of tension in Iranian-American relations.

The New York Times

Returning to San Francisco, she graduated from high school – she had also been taking outside lessons in dance and drama – and a few weeks later gave birth to a son from a casual encounter with a boy in the neighbourhood.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Given the broader context of Petrino's career which parallels that of a local politician busted for uploading cock-shots to a casual encounters site, except that politician somehow keeps getting elected to progressively higher offices, and also wins the lottery it might seem odd Petrino got hired at all.

Vice

It was a bitterly cold night, and few monks were likely to stray outside, but any casual encounter could spell disaster.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Do you?" It was a small, casual encounter and also an exceedingly rare one — a taste of teenage patter shared by two autistic girls.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was an almost casual encounter with an old friend that summer, a racing fan with a psychiatric practice in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., that began her healing process.

The New York Times - Sports

It is the kind of environment where one morning we dived at Osprey Reef and witnessed a feeding frenzy of nearly 50 sharks, and in the afternoon a small group of us had a stunning, close and casual encounter with the largest species of hammerhead shark – a great hammerhead.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotation; "a casual encounter" can sometimes imply a lack of seriousness or commitment, so ensure it aligns with your intended tone.

Common error

Avoid using "a casual encounter" in highly formal or professional documents where a more precise or serious tone is required. Opt for terms like "brief meeting" or "initial contact" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a casual encounter" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a casual encounter" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe an unplanned and informal meeting. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While generally neutral in register, it leans toward informal and may not be suitable for highly formal writing. The primary contexts for this phrase are News & Media, Wiki, and Science. For more formal settings, alternatives like "initial meeting" or "brief contact" might be more appropriate. Be mindful of the implied lack of seriousness when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a chance meeting

Focuses on the element of unplanned occurrence.

an accidental meeting

Highlights the unintentional aspect of the encounter.

a fleeting interaction

Emphasizes the brief duration of the exchange.

a brief contact

Underscores the limited nature of the connection.

a passing exchange

Suggests a superficial and transient communication.

an informal meeting

Highlights the relaxed and uncomplicated nature of the meeting.

a serendipitous meeting

Emphasizes the fortunate or pleasant nature of the unexpected meeting.

a random meeting

Focuses on the unplanned and unpredictable nature of the encounter.

a short acquaintance

Highlights the lack of deep connection and limited time spent together.

a superficial contact

Emphasizes the lack of depth or meaningful connection.

FAQs

What does "a casual encounter" mean?

"A casual encounter" refers to an unplanned or informal meeting or interaction between people, often lacking deep emotional connection or lasting consequences.

What are some synonyms for "a casual encounter"?

Synonyms include "a chance meeting", "a brief contact", or "a fleeting interaction", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is "a casual encounter" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "a casual encounter" might be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "initial meeting" or "brief consultation" for a more professional tone.

How can I use "a casual encounter" in a sentence?

Example: "Their business partnership began with "a casual encounter" at a conference."