casual encounter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "casual encounter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relaxed or informal meeting or interaction between people, often in a social or romantic context. Example: "They met at a coffee shop for a casual encounter that turned into a deeper connection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

From this casual encounter an intense friendship develops.

The Guardian - Film

Robbins's simplest improvisations have the dreamlike quality of a casual encounter gone subtly awry.

The New Yorker

A casual encounter with a charming young girl from the South who spends a few moments on a park bench.

The New Yorker

IN 1938, a casual encounter in Washington, DC, inspired one of the most remarkable documents in American music and culture.

The Economist

Women wait until their thirties when the chances of a casual encounter resulting in pregnancy are less.

The Economist

In "Arrival in the City," Vitaliano Brancati writes about a baroness, virility and a casual encounter in a rented room.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

In casual encounters his kindliness and humor were sometimes hidden by a crusty manner of speaking.

University of California, Berkeley

Porphyrios says he designed the spaces, indoors and out, to encourage conversation and casual encounters.

Princeton University

These casual encounters turned into weekly discussions with several homeless individuals near campus.

University of California, Berkeley

He was unfailingly polite, and spoke with a courtly manner, even in casual encounters with strangers.

The New Yorker

With even the most casual encounters, Orman tends to get personal at warp speed.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "casual encounter", ensure the context clarifies the type of interaction (e.g., romantic, social, professional) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "casual encounter" when a more formal or significant interaction is intended. This can misrepresent the gravity or purpose of the meeting.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "casual encounter" is typically as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing unplanned or informal interactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "casual encounter" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term to describe an unplanned or informal meeting, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It commonly appears in news articles and general discussions, maintaining a neutral register. While versatile, understanding the nuances of its usage ensures clarity and avoids misrepresentation, especially in formal settings. Considering alternatives such as "chance meeting" or "informal meeting" can also enhance precision in different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chance encounter

Similar to "casual encounter" but emphasizes the role of chance.

chance meeting

Focuses on the unplanned nature of the meeting.

random meeting

Highlights the unexpected or unplanned nature of the meeting.

fleeting interaction

Emphasizes the brief duration of the interaction.

informal meeting

Emphasizes the relaxed and unstructured nature of the meeting.

brief contact

Highlights the limited nature of the connection.

happenstance meeting

Focuses on the accidental nature of the meeting.

short meeting

Stresses the limited time spent together.

incidental contact

Highlights the secondary or non-essential nature of the contact.

passing acquaintance

Emphasizes the superficiality of the relationship formed.

FAQs

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

You can use "casual encounter" to describe a brief, unplanned meeting. For example, "Their "casual encounter" at the coffee shop led to a surprising friendship."

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

For more formal contexts, consider using "informal meeting" or "brief interaction" instead of "casual encounter".

Is "casual encounter" appropriate for professional contexts?

"Casual encounter" is generally suitable if the meeting is indeed informal and unplanned. However, in formal business communication, terms like "informal meeting" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "casual encounter" and "chance meeting"?

While similar, "chance meeting" emphasizes the element of luck or coincidence, while "casual encounter" focuses on the relaxed and unstructured nature of the meeting itself.