happens incidentally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "happens incidentally" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or occurrence that takes place by chance or as a secondary effect rather than as a primary intention. Example: "The discovery of the ancient artifact happens incidentally during the excavation of the site."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Which still happens, incidentally.

The Guardian - Film

Even if introspection happens incidentally, Herbart points out that the observer always already introduces some prior knowledge of himself that colors the resulting observation (SW V: 192; cf. [1840]: 36).

SEP

Unlike other European cities, where the culture seems to revolve around food - and getting drunk and disgracing yourself is merely something that happens incidentally - London's nocturnal economy is fundamentally geared towards such things.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Which happened, incidentally, during the onset of my father's multiple sclerosis.

The Guardian

Some of the records I think have been knocked out, like the Gene Vincent, which happened, incidentally, to be the bestseller.

The Guardian - Music

the extent of the words "raising money," which might happen incidentally, and that the Senate should not so amend or alter as to increase or diminish the sum; in order to obviate the inconveniences urged agst.

University of Chicago

This happened, incidentally, under the approving eye of the same European banking authorities who are now scolding Cyprus.

HuffPost

Statisticians like Efron emphasize that when something striking happens, it only incidentally happens to us.

The New York Times - Magazine

He also, incidentally, happens to be a dashing European prince.

The New York Times - Style

"With the exception of a few bricks coming down, which incidentally happens every day in our city, there was nothing to report".

The New York Times

At Greater Southeast, we want to provide medical care to people at the point at which it can be delivered most effectively, and that, incidentally, happens to be the cheapest point too.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "happens incidentally" when providing context or background information, as it helps to signal that the information is supplemental and not crucial to the core narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "happens incidentally" to introduce information that is actually critical to understanding the main point. This phrase should genuinely be reserved for side notes, not key details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "happens incidentally" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which something occurs. It suggests that an event takes place as a secondary or unintended consequence. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "happens incidentally" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to indicate that an event occurs as a secondary or unintended consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While suitable for neutral contexts like news and media, a more formal tone might require alternatives in academic writing. The phrase is used to downplay or provide additional context. Be cautious not to use it for essential details. Frequent alternative includes "occurs by chance" or "happens unintentionally".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

occurs by chance

Emphasizes the accidental nature of the event.

happens unintentionally

Highlights the lack of intent behind the occurrence.

occurs as a side effect

Focuses on the event being a secondary consequence.

happens inadvertently

Suggests the event occurred due to a lack of attention.

arises coincidentally

Indicates the event happens alongside something else without a direct connection.

comes about unexpectedly

Highlights the surprise element of the event's occurrence.

takes place accidentally

Directly states the accidental nature of the event.

results indirectly

Points out the event is a consequence of something else, but not directly.

occurs as an adjunct

Implies the event is a supplementary or non-essential occurrence.

emerges spontaneously

Emphasizes the unplanned and sudden nature of the event.

FAQs

What does "happens incidentally" mean?

The phrase "happens incidentally" means that something occurs as a secondary or unintended consequence, rather than being the main purpose or cause.

How can I use "happens incidentally" in a sentence?

You can use "happens incidentally" to describe an event that occurs as a side effect. For example, "The discovery of the rare artifact "occurs by chance" during the site excavation, it "happens incidentally"".

What are some alternatives to "happens incidentally"?

Some alternatives to "happens incidentally" include "occurs by chance", "happens unintentionally", or "occurs as a side effect", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "happens incidentally" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider whether a more precise or formal term like "occurs as a consequence" or "arises unexpectedly" might be more suitable, especially in academic or scientific contexts.