contingent event

USAGE SUMMARY

"contingent event" is a correct and usable term in written English.
You can use it to refer to an event that occurs or may occur depending on a certain condition. For example, "The success of our project depends on a contingent event, such as the outcome of the next election."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"If that eventuality, that contingent event, that possible occurrence or circumstance occurs," D said, "I'll move". This is not the way teenagers normally speak.

Yale University

My guess is that it was a very contingent event: bad luck for Obama on the business cycle, compounded by his own team's mistakes, plus a weirdly ineffective defense of health reform.

The New York Times

In Haiti, though the contingent event of the earthquake was no one's fault, the level of devastation can be laid at the door of corruption, exploitation and a centuries-old disregard for the poor.

The Guardian - Opinion

The values described in clauses (i) and (ii) shall be calculated based on the age of the individual as of the date of the contingent event unrelated to age.

Cornell University

According to the concept of dialectical materialism — "diamat," as its adherents often abbreviated it — the triumph of the Soviet Union under the leadership of Joseph Stalin was not a contingent event but the necessary result of an age-old process of class conflict.

The New Yorker

I argued last time that the fact that I have MS is neither here nor there in the great scheme of things; that it is a pure contingent event predicated on a strange mismatch of genes which nobody really can explain and certainly nobody can fix – yet.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Years later, he taught his children that actuaries "predict the present financial implications of future contingent events".

The New York Times

Negative dialectics are, in the end then, open dialectics conditioned by contingent events and not by a pre-given endpoint.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is interpreted spatially and temporally in terms of shifting contexts and contingent events in (and beyond) Berlin.

Geoforum

Life is a series of contingent events thrown at us and out of which we have to make a convincing narrative for ourselves as individuals and collectively.

The Guardian - Opinion

The need to anthropomorphise natural phenomena and to create a necessary pattern out of contingent events is a powerful one in the human psyche.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing future plans or scenarios, clarify the conditions that make the "contingent event" likely or relevant. This provides context and makes your reasoning more transparent.

Common error

Avoid treating a "contingent event" as a certainty. Always acknowledge the possibility that the event might not occur, and consider the implications of both outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contingent event" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies an event whose occurrence is dependent on other factors or conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable, and its function aligns with the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

29%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contingent event" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that signifies an event whose occurrence is dependent on certain conditions. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable. It is most commonly found in scientific, news and media, and academic contexts, indicating a relatively formal register. When using "contingent event", clarity is key; ensure you articulate the specific conditions that influence the event's likelihood. While "contingent event" is generally well-received, remember to consider simpler alternatives like "possible occurrence" or "conditional circumstance" for more informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possible occurrence

Focuses on the chance or possibility of something happening, simplifying the idea of conditionality.

conditional circumstance

Emphasizes the conditional nature and specific context surrounding the event.

dependent happening

Highlights that the event's occurrence relies on something else.

potential development

Suggests a possible course of events or unfolding situation.

uncertain incident

Focuses on the unpredictable aspect and event-like nature.

chance occurrence

Emphasizes the element of randomness and unpredictability.

unforeseen situation

Highlights the unexpected and unprepared-for quality of the event.

conditional situation

Underlines the dependence on specific prerequisites.

subject to event

Expresses reliance or dependence, but focuses on what influences the result.

stochastic event

Highlights the randomness of the event, typically in scientific or statistical contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "contingent event" in a sentence?

You can use "contingent event" to describe something that may or may not happen based on certain conditions. For example, "The project's funding is a "contingent event", dependent on securing additional investors."

What is a simpler way to say "contingent event"?

Alternatives include "possible occurrence", "conditional circumstance", or "dependent happening", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "contingent event" formal or informal?

"Contingent event" is suitable for formal writing and discussions. In more informal settings, simpler terms like "maybe" or "it depends" might be preferred.

What's the difference between "contingent event" and "potential event"?

While both refer to future happenings, "contingent event" emphasizes the dependence on specific conditions, whereas "potential event" simply indicates a possibility without necessarily implying dependence.