a random encounter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a random encounter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected meeting or interaction with someone, often in a casual or unplanned context. Example: "During my walk in the park, I had a random encounter with an old friend I hadn't seen in years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

For me, the book was a random encounter accelerating into unwelcome intimacy.

The Guardian - Books

He stopped to ask a stranger for help, a random encounter that would lead to his death.

The New York Times

Karena Virginia claims that Trump groped her breast and made sexual comments toward her at a random encounter outside the 1998 US Open tennis tournament in Flushing, Queens.

The Guardian

Matthew McConaughey walks to despair and back again in Gus Van Sant's story of two suicidal men saved by a random encounter in Japan's "suicide forest".

The Guardian - Film

He had only just arrived; already a random encounter had validated every reservation he and his family had about him being in Germany.

The New York Times - Sports

Virtue proves less interesting than vice, as he casts around for a sustainable joke — signing up for another language class, reading labels at the supermarket and, naturally, having a random encounter with feces.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

He was the unseen star of the Labour party conference, an individual voter singled out and namechecked twice as Gareth in leader Ed Miliband's speech, after an apparently random encounter at a picnic on Hampstead Heath.

The Guardian

This result cannot simply be explained by a higher preference to stay near the flower pots (and thus a higher random encounter rate with the dominants), as the visit rate of +F fish to the flower pots when no pair member was close to them did not differ between the treatments (Wilcoxon test: Z = 1.47, N = 10, P = 0.14; 59% of 493 total pot visits).

Animal Behaviour

Through a completely random encounter Cayce meets Voytek Biroshak and Ngemi, the former an artist using old ZX81 microcomputers as a sculpture medium, the latter a collector of rare technology (he mentions purchasing Stephen King's word processor, for example).

Wikipedia

This novel about a rich, white South African woman and a Muslim immigrant whose random encounter turns into a love affair explores how their mutual incomprehension is connected to their mutual attraction.

The New York Times - Books

It isn't clear, despite the clarity of the memoir, quite how the dreamy child turns into the focused scientist – some dreamy children just become dreamy adults - but these steps from daydream to determined endeavour usually involve a mix of random encounter, enthusiasm and opportunism.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a random encounter" to add a sense of unpredictability or spontaneity to your narrative. It implies that the event was not planned or expected.

Common error

While acceptable in many situations, avoid using "a random encounter" excessively in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more precise language like "unplanned meeting" or "chance interaction" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a random encounter" functions primarily as a noun phrase, describing an event or incident. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s used to denote an unplanned or unexpected meeting or interaction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a random encounter" is a commonly used phrase that describes an unplanned meeting or interaction. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and its frequent use in contexts like news, media, and general discussions. While it's acceptable in many situations, in formal or academic writing, alternatives like "unplanned meeting" or "chance interaction" might be more suitable. The phrase carries a sense of unpredictability and spontaneity, making it useful in narratives and descriptive contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a chance meeting

Emphasizes the element of chance in the encounter.

a chance encounter

Synonymous, emphasizing the element of luck or fate.

an accidental meeting

Highlights the unintentional nature of the meeting.

an unplanned meeting

Focuses on the lack of planning in the meeting.

an unexpected meeting

Similar to "an unplanned meeting" but emphasizes the surprise element.

a surprise encounter

Focuses on the unexpected aspect of the encounter.

a fortuitous meeting

Suggests the meeting was lucky or beneficial.

a spontaneous meeting

Emphasizes the impulsive nature of the meeting.

a casual meeting

Indicates an informal and relaxed encounter.

an incidental encounter

Highlights that the encounter was not the main purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "a random encounter" to describe an unplanned or unexpected meeting, such as: "My novel begins with "a random encounter" in a coffee shop."

What's a more formal alternative to "a random encounter"?

In formal writing, consider using phrases like "an unplanned meeting", "a chance interaction", or "an unexpected convergence" instead of "a random encounter".

Is "chance encounter" the same as "a random encounter"?

"Chance encounter" and "a random encounter" are largely synonymous, both referring to unplanned meetings. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.

What implications does "a random encounter" have in storytelling?

In narratives, "a random encounter" often serves as a plot device to introduce new characters, trigger conflicts, or advance the storyline in unexpected ways.