convenient coincidences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "convenient coincidences" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe occurrences that happen by chance but are particularly favorable or advantageous in a given situation. Example: "The timing of her arrival was filled with convenient coincidences that made the event even more special."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The solution to the mystery manages to be not only fussily elaborate but fundamentally simplistic, and it involves too many dark hints and convenient coincidences.

The New Yorker

For under­neath all the rigging and staging, all the convenient coincidences and improbable encounters, Maupin has built Mary Ann a solid narrative, has given her not only a story, but an entire life.

The New York Times - Books

Eventually, when the Stratford-Upon-Avon stuff subsides, Ms. Brown sets up a string of convenient coincidences and sets each daughter on the path to the self-realization that has been long overdue.

The New York Times - Books

One of the great convenient coincidences of asphalt development was that the automobile ran on gasoline, which at that time was simply a by-product of the distillation of kerosene from petroleum.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At first, this may feel like familiar terrain, but the show foregoes the convenient coincidences that often accompany this sort of foregrounded surreal flourish.

Huffington Post

The show could, on occasion, be just a little too clever and smug (and I wasn't a fan of some convenient coincidences), but in those kinds of moments, its narrative intelligence served it very well indeed.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Once again … convenient coincidence?

The New York Times

This is not merely a convenient coincidence.

The New York Times

But most of his case rested on "a mere convenient coincidence," West Coast said in court papers.

The New York Times

In a convenient coincidence, Danny had sold his clothing business a few months before Ben was invited to Barcelona, but Tammy was a successful real estate agent.

The New York Times - Sports

The plot clunks a bit at first, too: a laboriously contrived trip to London premised on some unconvincing business about a lost address book; the convenient coincidence of Sir Monty being offered a job at Howard's college.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "convenient coincidences" in your writing, ensure that the coincidences genuinely contribute to the plot or narrative in a meaningful way, rather than appearing as lazy writing or plot contrivances. Consider whether the coincidences serve a thematic purpose or advance character development.

Common error

Avoid making "convenient coincidences" the primary driver of your plot. Overusing them can make your story feel contrived and unbelievable. Instead, use them sparingly to enhance existing conflicts or resolutions, rather than creating them out of thin air.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "convenient coincidences" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a series of events that align favorably, sometimes suspiciously so, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples in which it is often used in criticism.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "convenient coincidences" is used to describe events that happen by chance and are surprisingly beneficial. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and can be used to critique plot devices or describe real-life scenarios. It is most frequently found in News & Media sources. While not extremely common, it is a useful phrase to describe situations where events align in a favorable, sometimes suspiciously so, manner. When employing this phrase, ensure that the coincidences add meaningfully to the narrative and don't detract from its overall believability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fortunate coincidences

Replaces "convenient" with a synonym emphasizing luck and good fortune.

serendipitous events

Substitutes both "convenient" and "coincidences" with a phrase highlighting the accidental discovery of something agreeable.

opportune synchronicities

Employs a more formal synonym for "convenient" and replaces "coincidences" with a term suggesting meaningful connections.

propitious circumstances

Replaces the entire phrase with a term denoting favorable conditions or a good omen.

timely happenstances

Uses a synonym for "convenient" related to timing and replaces "coincidences" with a word suggesting unplanned events.

auspicious concurrences

Replaces the word "convenient" with "auspicious" and "coincidences" with "concurrences", indicating a favorable alignment of events.

advantageous chance encounters

Replaces "coincidences" with "chance encounters" and substitutes convenient with "advantageous".

happy accidents

An idiomatic expression that simplifies the concept to its most basic, positive outcome.

favorable convergence of events

Uses more formal language to describe the positive alignment of different occurrences.

providential occurrences

Suggests that the coincidences are divinely arranged or guided.

FAQs

How can I use "convenient coincidences" in a story without making it seem unrealistic?

Use /s/foreshadowing and subtle setups to make the coincidences feel more organic and less forced. Let the characters' actions and choices create opportunities for these coincidences, rather than having them appear randomly.

What's the difference between a "convenient coincidence" and a plot hole?

A "convenient coincidence" stretches believability but doesn't necessarily break the internal logic of the story. A plot hole, on the other hand, is an inconsistency or gap in the narrative that directly contradicts established facts or character motivations.

Are there genres where "convenient coincidences" are more acceptable?

Yes, genres like melodrama and certain types of comedy often rely on heightened or exaggerated coincidences for dramatic or comedic effect. However, even in these genres, it's important to use them judiciously and with awareness of the audience's expectations.

What are some alternatives to saying "convenient coincidences"?

You can use alternatives like "fortunate coincidences", "serendipitous events", or "opportune synchronicities" to convey a similar meaning with different nuances.