accidental utterance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "accidental utterance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a spoken word or phrase that was not intended or was said by mistake. Example: "During the meeting, she made an accidental utterance that revealed more than she intended."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If the statement in December was an accidental utterance from a clueless president, this one can only be understood as self-delusion.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In the verbal response experiments, trials containing saccades or accidental utterances were discarded, and re-presented at the end of the session.

Plosone

." Gorsuch's invocation of one of Donald Trump's trademark utterances, apparently accidental, prompted an explosion of laughter from the audience.

The New Yorker

A 2001 paper in the journal Language and Speech tried to find links between situations and rates of disfluency, a category of speech blunders that includes false starts, accidental repetitions of words, filler utterances (like "ugh" and "um") and incoherent mumbling.

Vice

An utterance".

The New Yorker

Truncated utterance: "Erm.

Nature

Or accidental.

The Guardian

Mannered utterance often turns impenetrable.

The New York Times - Books

Accidental Limousine?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

accidental (str) – (Optional) Symbol for the accidental.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Which was: a soft utterance.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "accidental utterance" when you want to emphasize that a spoken word or phrase was unintentional, especially when it reveals something unexpected or changes the course of a conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "accidental utterance" in highly informal or casual contexts. While grammatically sound, its slightly formal tone might sound unnatural in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "slip of the tongue" or "unintentional comment" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accidental utterance" functions as a noun phrase where "accidental" modifies "utterance". It describes a spoken word or phrase that was unintentional. Ludwig AI validates this usage, confirming that it is grammatically correct and can be used to describe unintended spoken expressions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "accidental utterance" describes an unintentional spoken word or phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not extremely common, it appears in various contexts including news, science, and academic writing. Related phrases include "inadvertent remark" and "unintentional statement". When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure the slightly formal tone is appropriate. Avoid using it in casual conversations where simpler terms would be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inadvertent remark

Focuses on the unintentional nature of the spoken comment.

unintentional statement

Highlights the lack of intent behind the spoken words.

unwitting comment

Emphasizes the speaker's lack of awareness while making the statement.

chance remark

Stresses the accidental quality of the statement, suggesting it was unplanned.

fortuitous expression

Suggests the utterance, though accidental, might have a positive or beneficial outcome.

slip of the tongue

A more idiomatic expression implying a mistake in speaking.

involuntary disclosure

Highlights the aspect of revealing something unintentionally.

unintended communication

Broader term that encompasses any form of accidental conveying of information.

inadvertent disclosure

Refers to accidentally revealing information.

uncalculated remark

Emphasizes the lack of planning or forethought in the spoken words.

FAQs

How can I use "accidental utterance" in a sentence?

You can use "accidental utterance" to describe a situation where someone says something unintentionally. For example: "During the meeting, she made an accidental utterance that revealed more than she intended."

What are some alternatives to "accidental utterance"?

Alternatives include "inadvertent remark", "unintentional statement", or "slip of the tongue", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "accidental utterance" a formal phrase?

Yes, "accidental utterance" has a slightly formal tone. It is suitable for professional, academic, or news-related contexts but may sound out of place in casual conversation.

What is the difference between "accidental utterance" and "unintentional statement"?

While similar, "accidental utterance" specifically refers to something spoken, whereas "unintentional statement" can refer to both spoken and written communication. "Utterance" also carries a connotation of being a brief or fleeting expression.