a random incident

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a random incident" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or occurrence that happens by chance and is not planned or expected. Example: "The power outage was just a random incident that affected the entire neighborhood for a few hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"It seems like it was a random incident, but we're still investigating".

The New York Times

Yet the risks are mounting that a random incident in a bewildering array of quarrels may escalate into conflict, if only because no prospect exists of a settlement.That is partly because the sea is entangled in so many separate disputes.

The Economist

The move suggests there is growing concern that the shooting was not a random incident and that Gardner and Cumbers may have either been lured into a trap, or that the terrorist group involved may have been tipped off about their plans.

The Guardian

Compared with the simulated depth profile obtained from the Transport of Ions in Matter (TRIM) program (with a random incident ion implantation) [20], the broadening of the Pb depth profile obtained from RBS result is much larger.

Nanoscale Research Letters

A random incident?

Huffington Post

In fact, a random incident inspired his work Holy Friday.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Edward Hernandez, an advocate for immigrants and for low-income housing, said: "We're hoping it's not a bias crime, but it doesn't seem, in our hearts, to be a truly random incident.

The New York Times

The punch was a dreadful, essentially random incident that messed up two nice guys who subsequently did their best to get on with their lives.

The New York Times - Books

By all accounts he sounds very unwell, this may just be a random tragic incident.

The Guardian

Another possibility was that a random shooting incident simply got out of hand and led to the escalation.

The Guardian

There is the oddly detached male narrator roaming New York; a random dramatic incident that alters the course of a life; ruminations on the nature of writing, language and identity; multiple narrators; stories within stories; and general intertextual gadding about.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase in situations where emphasizing the unpredictable and unintentional nature of an event is crucial to the narrative or explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "a random incident" when there's evidence suggesting a deliberate cause or pattern behind the event. The term implies a lack of any discernible reason, so ensure this aligns with the available information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a random incident" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies and characterizes a specific event or occurrence as unpredictable and without apparent cause. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a random incident" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes an event occurring without a clear cause or pattern. It's grammatically correct and found frequently in various contexts, including News & Media and scientific publications. While the phrase is straightforward, it's important to use it accurately, ensuring the event truly lacks a discernible reason. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, understanding the specific communicative purpose and register ensures effective and appropriate use of this phrase. Remember to consider alternatives such as "a chance occurrence" or "an unexpected event" depending on the nuances you want to convey. Finally, make sure not to use the phrase when there is some evidence that suggests that the event wasn't actually random.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a chance occurrence

This alternative emphasizes the accidental nature of the event, focusing on the element of luck or fortuity.

a chance event

Similar to "a chance occurrence", this emphasizes the role of luck or fate.

an unexpected event

This focuses on the surprise element, highlighting that the event was not foreseen or anticipated.

an unforeseen circumstance

This suggests that the incident was not only unexpected but also difficult or impossible to predict.

a coincidental happening

This emphasizes the concurrence of events without a clear causal relationship.

an unplanned episode

This highlights that the incident was not part of any deliberate sequence of events.

an accidental occurrence

This highlights the lack of intent or planning behind the incident.

an unscripted event

This suggests that the incident deviated from any pre-existing plan or expectation.

a freak accident

This emphasizes the unusual and unexpected nature of the incident, often implying it was bizarre or improbable.

a serendipitous event

This suggests that the incident led to a positive or beneficial outcome, despite being unplanned.

FAQs

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

You can use "a random incident" to describe an event that seems to happen without any discernible cause or pattern. For example, "The broken window appeared to be the result of "a random incident"."

What are some alternatives to saying "a random incident"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use phrases like "a chance occurrence", "an unexpected event", or "an accidental occurrence".

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "a random incident"?

Yes, it would be incorrect to use "a random incident" if there's evidence to suggest the event was planned or intentional. In such cases, a phrase like "a deliberate act" would be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a random incident" and "a chance occurrence"?

While similar, "a random incident" often carries a slightly stronger implication of a negative or disruptive event, whereas "a chance occurrence" is more neutral. Both suggest unpredictability, but "a random incident" may emphasize the unexpected and potentially problematic nature of the event.