a chance remark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a chance remark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a comment or statement made casually or without much thought, often in passing. Example: "During the meeting, she made a chance remark about the upcoming project that sparked a lively discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Literature

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

A chance remark?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A chance remark by a fellow diner heightened my curiosity.

The New York Times - Food

And now LaBute shows how a chance remark about a lover's features can destroy a relationship.

The Guardian

A chance remark about the island's numerous "Seals or Sea Bears" was to be fateful.

The New York Times - Magazine

It all started with a chance remark at an aerospace conference he attended 20 years ago.

The Guardian

From a chance remark by a minister, the UN team discovered that the government had done the deal with LIB.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

In another ballpark, the chance remark of a second baseman to another umpire, to the effect that the official was hamming his signals for the benefit of television audience, led the umpire to banish the player from the field..

The New Yorker

Instead, Kaine interrupted — "You guys love Russia!" — which awarded Pence a chance to remark, "I must have hit a nerve here".

The New Yorker

It was only when someone's chance remark on the heat drew a "Well, there are pools all over here.

The New Yorker

Tuppence Middleton plays Joan's sexy friend Helen, whose chance remark in the pub triggers a vital insight in Turing's mind.

The Guardian - Film

After someone's chance remark reminded them that spring foliage might aggravate Noah's asthma, they decided to forgo a location near Central Park and hunt elsewhere.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a chance remark" to introduce an element of unpredictability or serendipity into your narrative.

Common error

Avoid attributing disproportionate importance to "a chance remark" unless the context genuinely warrants it. Ensure the consequences align with the seemingly minor nature of the comment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a chance remark" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a casually made comment that may or may not have significant consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a chance remark" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that refers to a casually made comment. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of this phrase. It's versatile enough for various contexts, from news reporting to academic writing, and introduces an element of serendipity or accident. While it suggests a minor comment, such a remark can sometimes trigger significant events. Alternatives include phrases like "an offhand comment" or "a passing comment". When using "a chance remark", avoid overstating its significance unless the context genuinely warrants it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an offhand comment

Emphasizes the casual and potentially dismissive nature of the comment.

a casual observation

Highlights the lack of intentionality and the informal setting of the observation.

a passing comment

Focuses on the brief and transient nature of the remark.

an inadvertent statement

Stresses the unintentionality of the statement.

an unintentional aside

Points out that the comment was not the main focus of the conversation.

a spontaneous utterance

Highlights the impulsive nature of the comment.

a flippant remark

Suggests the remark was made without serious consideration.

a careless comment

Emphasizes the lack of thought or concern behind the remark.

an incidental observation

Highlights the minor importance of the observation in the context.

a throwaway line

Implies the remark was delivered in a lighthearted or nonchalant manner.

FAQs

How can I use "a chance remark" in a sentence?

You can use "a chance remark" to indicate that something was said casually and without much forethought. For example, "The investigation began after "a chance remark" by a witness."

What's a good substitute for "a chance remark"?

Alternatives include "an offhand comment", "a casual observation", or "a passing comment". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "chance remark" formal or informal?

The phrase "a chance remark" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While not overly technical, it's also not slang or colloquial.

Can "a chance remark" have a major impact?

Yes, even though it suggests a casual comment, "a chance remark" can sometimes lead to significant consequences or trigger important events.