an unforeseen occurrence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unforeseen occurrence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or situation that was not anticipated or expected. Example: "The project was delayed due to an unforeseen occurrence that disrupted our timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

However, valves closing on pipelines is not exactly an unforeseen occurrence.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Baring some unforeseen occurrence in the next month, that's likely to be the matchup as we head into the general election in November.

Huffington Post

For example, even if it's something simple like meeting a friend for dinner one night, I never cancel unless absolutely necessary (like I can't get out of bed because I have the flu, or some other unforeseen occurrence which would prevent me from keeping my commitment).

Huffington Post

Another business scandal could stoke corporate crime as an issue, or unforeseen occurrences could alter the public's focus in ways impossible to predict in a state split by contradictory political strains.

The New York Times

These are unforeseen occurrences (unknown unknowns) with a low probability of occurrence but having a large impact.

Environmental Science and Policy

"Barring unforeseen occurrences in the final weekend, John Kerry should carry the state fairly easily".

The New York Times

If so, the promise is discharged because of unforeseen occurrences, which were unavoidable and would result in insurmountable delay, expense, or other material breach (Black 1990).

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

Unforeseen occurrences such as inadequate snowfall could effect the viability of activities such as skiing and white-water sports.

Bplans

It's an unforeseen challenge".

The New York Times - Magazine

Ashima had devised an unforeseen solution.

The New Yorker

This is not entirely an unforeseen triumph.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an unforeseen occurrence" to describe situations where the unexpected nature of an event significantly impacts the context, adding a layer of surprise or disruption.

Common error

Avoid using "an unforeseen occurrence" excessively in informal writing; simpler alternatives like "an unexpected event" may be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unforeseen occurrence" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a specific event or incident that was not predicted or expected. As stated by Ludwig AI, it’s grammatically correct and used to describe events or situations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an unforeseen occurrence" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe an unexpected event or incident. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples showing its use in various contexts. While relatively rare, it is most frequently found in News & Media and scientific writing. Simpler alternatives, like "an unexpected event", exist for more informal situations. Remember to use it when emphasizing the surprising and impactful nature of an event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unforeseen circumstance

Uses a similar structure, but replaces "occurrence" with "circumstance".

an unexpected event

Focuses on the lack of anticipation, similar to the original phrase but more concise.

an unanticipated incident

Replaces "occurrence" with "incident", implying a possibly negative or disruptive event.

an unanticipated development

Focuses on the unfolding of events that were not predicted.

an unpredicted situation

Substitutes "occurrence" with "situation", emphasizing the circumstances.

a surprise development

Highlights the element of surprise in the event.

a chance happening

Emphasizes the randomness and lack of intention behind the event.

an accidental circumstance

Highlights the accidental nature, suggesting a lack of deliberate planning.

an unlooked-for event

Emphasizes the lack of expectation; a more formal and less common alternative.

a bolt from the blue

An idiomatic expression implying suddenness and unexpectedness.

FAQs

How can I use "an unforeseen occurrence" in a sentence?

You can use "an unforeseen occurrence" to describe unexpected events that impact plans or situations. For example, "The project was delayed due to "an unforeseen occurrence"."

What's a simpler way to say "an unforeseen occurrence"?

Alternatives include "an unexpected event" or "an unanticipated incident", depending on the context.

Is "unforeseen circumstance" the same as "an unforeseen occurrence"?

While very similar, "unforeseen circumstance" often implies a broader set of conditions, whereas "an unforeseen occurrence" typically refers to a specific event.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "an unforeseen occurrence"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the unexpected and impactful nature of an event, particularly in formal or descriptive writing.