bizarre coincidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bizarre coincidence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unusual or unexpected occurrence that happens by chance. Example: "It was a bizarre coincidence that I ran into my childhood friend in a city thousands of miles away from home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

"Talk about incredibly bizarre coincidence," said Frank Maresca.

The New York Times - Arts

Still, the bizarre coincidence only underscored a widespread view that the huge response was justified.

The New York Times

By a bizarre coincidence, Wilson was prone to the identical manias, with a few variations.

The New York Times - Books

By a bizarre coincidence, at 256 miles it also happens to be the same length as the Pennine Way.

The Guardian - Books

And so things remained until a bizarre coincidence a fortnight later, according to the news agency, Agence France-Presse.

The Guardian

In Mr Veronesi's hands, this bizarre coincidence of events makes for a tight narrative that is as tense and well-paced as a good thriller.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

"There are sudden disappearances, long-buried secrets coming to light, supernatural happenings and bizarre coincidences.

The New York Times

His complex narratives featured twisting plots, bizarre coincidences, shocking secrets, and supernatural occurrences.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Life in the world Haggis creates is marked by bizarre coincidences, missed opportunities, and terrible luck.

The New Yorker

Although the name of every three-metre-by-three-metre square is set randomly, there are some bizarre coincidences.

The Guardian - Business

Albert Jason Schwartzmann) is worried about bizarre coincidences in his life, so he gets freaky gumshoes Lily Tomlin and Dustin Hoffman to spy on him.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bizarre coincidence" to emphasize the unexpected and unusual nature of an event. It's especially effective when the coincidence is surprising or hard to explain.

Common error

Avoid using "bizarre coincidence" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact. Consider using alternatives like "strange coincidence" or "peculiar coincidence" to vary your language and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bizarre coincidence" functions as a noun phrase, where "bizarre" modifies the noun "coincidence". Ludwig shows it's used to describe an event or situation marked by an unusual and unexpected occurrence. Its primary role is to label a specific instance of unlikely alignment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bizarre coincidence" is a frequently used phrase to describe an unexpected and strange occurrence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It's most common in News & Media contexts, with neutral formality. Alternatives like "strange coincidence" or "odd coincidence" can be used for variety. When writing, use it to emphasize the strangeness of a coincidence, but avoid overuse. Considering these points will help you effectively use "bizarre coincidence" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Strange coincidence

Replaces "bizarre" with "strange", softening the sense of oddity while retaining the core meaning of an unexpected event.

Odd coincidence

Similar to "strange coincidence", using "odd" to describe the unexpected event, slightly less intense than "bizarre".

Peculiar coincidence

Emphasizes the unusual nature of the coincidence, suggesting it is noteworthy or curious.

Remarkable coincidence

Highlights how worthy of attention the coincidence is, focusing on its impact rather than strangeness.

Uncanny coincidence

Suggests the coincidence is unsettling or mysterious, adding a sense of the supernatural.

Fortuitous coincidence

Indicates that the coincidence is both unexpected and beneficial.

Fluke occurrence

Focuses on the random and improbable nature of the event, implying luck or chance.

Improbable event

Highlights the low probability of the occurrence, emphasizing its unlikelihood.

Extraordinary happenstance

Uses more formal language to describe an unusual and unexpected event.

Kismet encounter

Implies the coincidence was fated or destined, adding a layer of fate to the event.

FAQs

How can I use "bizarre coincidence" in a sentence?

You can use "bizarre coincidence" to describe an unexpected and strange event. For example, "It was a "bizarre coincidence" that we both chose the same obscure book for our book club."

What is a synonym for "bizarre coincidence"?

A synonym for "bizarre coincidence" is "strange coincidence". Other options include "odd coincidence" or "peculiar coincidence".

Is it appropriate to use "bizarre coincidence" in formal writing?

While "bizarre coincidence" is understandable, in formal writing, consider using alternatives like "remarkable coincidence" or "extraordinary happenstance" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

What makes a coincidence "bizarre"?

A coincidence is considered "bizarre" when it's not only unexpected but also strikingly strange, unusual, or difficult to explain logically. The level of improbability or the oddness of the connection between the events makes it "bizarre".