chance encounter

USAGE SUMMARY

"chance encounter" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe happening upon someone unexpectedly. For example: "We had a chance encounter at the grocery store while we were both picking up food."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then came that chance encounter.

The New York Times

The chance encounter feels suspect.

The New York Times - Books

A chance encounter at a Citarella.

The New York Times

It was no chance encounter.

The New York Times

Someone you met on a chance encounter?

The Guardian

It changed through a chance encounter.

The Guardian

Months later, he had a chance encounter with the stockbroker.

The New Yorker

Suddenly a chance encounter brought them in touch with Mormonism.

The New York Times

The Data Domain story grew out of a chance encounter.

The New York Times - Tech

Brij Kothari took advantage of his chance encounter.

The Guardian

The chance encounter hit Ruskin like a physical blow.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chance encounter" to describe a meeting that occurs without prior planning or expectation. This phrase is suitable for narratives, reports, and casual conversations.

Common error

Avoid using "chance encounter" to describe meetings that were scheduled or arranged in advance. The phrase specifically implies a lack of intention or planning.

How to use

Learn how to use "chance encounter" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chance encounter" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It describes an event. Ludwig AI identifies that "chance encounter" is a proper and usable sentence in the english language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chance encounter" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an unplanned or accidental meeting. Predominantly found in news and media sources, as confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase serves to highlight the unexpected nature of an event, sometimes implying serendipity. While alternatives like "unexpected meeting" or "accidental meeting" exist, "chance encounter" carries a specific connotation of fate or luck. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure the meeting described was genuinely unplanned to avoid misuse. Ludwig AI confirms the usability of this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accidental meeting

Emphasizes that the meeting was not intended, similar to "chance encounter".

unexpected meeting

Focuses on the lack of planning rather than the element of chance.

random meeting

Focuses on the lack of any pattern or reason for the meeting.

serendipitous meeting

Emphasizes the fortunate or beneficial aspect of the unplanned meeting.

fortuitous encounter

Similar to 'serendipitous', but perhaps implying a more significant or impactful meeting.

unforeseen meeting

Highlights that the meeting was not anticipated or predicted.

unplanned meeting

Highlights the lack of premeditation, but less focused on the random nature of it.

fluke meeting

Implies the meeting was a highly improbable event.

impromptu meeting

Emphasizes the spontaneity of the meeting, suggesting it happened without any arrangement.

casual meeting

Highlights the informal and relaxed nature of the meeting.

FAQs

What does "chance encounter" mean?

A "chance encounter" refers to an unplanned or accidental meeting with someone. It implies that the meeting was not scheduled or anticipated.

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

You can use "chance encounter" to describe unexpected meetings, for example: "Their relationship began with a "chance encounter" at a coffee shop."

What can I say instead of "chance encounter"?

You can use alternatives like "unexpected meeting", "serendipitous meeting", or "accidental meeting" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "chance meeting" the same as "chance encounter"?

While similar, "chance meeting" and "chance encounter" are largely interchangeable. Both refer to unplanned meetings, but "encounter" might suggest a slightly more significant or impactful meeting than a simple "meeting".