completely by accident

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completely by accident" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or situation that occurred unintentionally or without planning. Example: "I found the lost keys completely by accident while cleaning the drawer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Completely by accident, though.

Independent

Express came about completely by accident.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It was completely by accident," Ms. Perkins answered for him.

The New York Times - Travel

When he kills a cop, it's completely by accident, and afterward he's upset and scared.

The New Yorker

I first stumbled on Adorno in the mid-1970's, completely by accident.

The New York Times - Arts

I first experienced his cooking in my early 20s, completely by accident.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Now Nash had an open net but his shot is deflected by the stick of Voynov, completely and totally by accident - this game should be over, again!! 5.12am BST Rangers 2-2 Kings, 11 57, second overtime There's a series of chances, the last a drive by Girardi that is deflected and hits the post!!

The Guardian - Sport

"Sometimes they just thrash them into the ground completely or by accident, either because it's a bad idea or bad timing or bad execution.

Vice

It's BY accident.

Huffington Post

"We completely did it by accident," Mayor Mick Cornett said.

The New York Times - Sports

It all started by accident.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "completely by accident" to emphasize the unintentional nature of an event, especially when clarifying that there was no planning or intent involved. For example, use it to describe a discovery or an unplanned outcome.

Common error

While "completely by accident" is valid, avoid overusing intensifiers like "completely", "totally", or "utterly" in your writing. They can sometimes weaken your message if overused. Consider whether "by accident" alone sufficiently conveys your meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely by accident" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which an action occurred. It specifies that the action was unintentional and unplanned, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "completely by accident" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that emphasizes the unintentional nature of an event. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts. While primarily found in news and media sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse writing styles. When using this phrase, be mindful of potential overuse of intensifiers and consider the subtle differences between it and similar expressions. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use "completely by accident" to add clarity and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entirely unintentionally

Focuses on the lack of intent behind the action.

totally by chance

Emphasizes the role of luck or randomness.

purely fortuitously

Highlights the fortunate nature of the accidental occurrence.

utterly inadvertently

Stresses the lack of awareness or intention.

quite unexpectedly

Focuses on the surprise element of the event.

absolutely without design

Highlights the complete absence of planning.

wholly uncalculatedly

Emphasizes the lack of calculation or forethought.

simply at random

Highlights the randomness of the event.

just by happenstance

Focuses on the chance occurrence.

merely by coincidence

Emphasizes the coincidental nature of the event.

FAQs

How can I use "completely by accident" in a sentence?

You can use "completely by accident" to describe an event or discovery that happened unintentionally. For example: "I found the error /s/completely+by+accident while reviewing the code".

What can I say instead of "completely by accident"?

You can use alternatives like "entirely unintentionally", "totally by chance", or "purely fortuitously" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "completely by accident" or "on accident"?

"Completely by accident" is the grammatically correct and widely accepted phrase. "On accident" is sometimes used informally, but it is generally considered incorrect.

What is the difference between "completely by accident" and "almost by accident"?

"Completely by accident" indicates that something happened entirely without intention or planning. "Almost by accident" suggests that the event nearly occurred unintentionally, but perhaps some element of intent or near-miss was involved.