mere coincidence

USAGE SUMMARY

'mere coincidence' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to explain that something is too coincidental to be just a chance occurrence, for example: "The fact that they both had the same birthday seemed like mere coincidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A mere coincidence?

Stanford University

Competition vs. Acceptance — mere coincidence?

The New York Times

This is no mere coincidence.

The Guardian - Film

That surely cannot have been mere coincidence.

The Economist

That trend isn't a mere coincidence.

The Washington Post

Certainly some of this is mere coincidence.

The New York Times

This may have been a mere coincidence.

The Guardian - Sport

None of this is mere coincidence.

The New York Times

None of this is mere coincidence, though, not nearly.

Harvard University

Executives at Eurex said the timing was a mere coincidence.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

And, er, their delightfully fruity flavor is also a mere coincidence.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mere coincidence", ensure the context clearly establishes that the events being described are truly independent and without a hidden connection. Avoid using it sarcastically when a connection is suspected.

Common error

Avoid using "mere coincidence" when the events have a plausible, even if not obvious, link. Overusing it can weaken your argument by suggesting denial of a connection that others might readily perceive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mere coincidence" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an appositive. As Ludwig AI underlines, it describes a situation where events appear connected but lack a causal relationship, emphasizing randomness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mere coincidence" serves as a phrase to dismiss perceived connections between events, asserting their independence and lack of causal relationship. Ludwig AI validates the phrase's correct usage in written English, highlighting its function across various contexts. As demonstrated through numerous examples, this phrase commonly appears in news and media, alongside academic and scientific publications. While seemingly straightforward, employing "mere coincidence" requires careful consideration of context to avoid misinterpretation. Related alternatives, such as ""pure chance"" or ""random occurrence"", can provide nuanced expressions depending on the intended meaning. The phrase maintains a formal register, suitable for diverse audiences, though nuanced deployment ensures its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pure chance

Emphasizes the accidental nature of an event, suggesting no underlying cause or intention.

random occurrence

Stresses the lack of pattern or predictability in an event, emphasizing its haphazard nature.

sheer luck

Highlights the role of fortune in an event, implying a positive outcome from an unexpected occurrence.

simple accident

Focuses on the unintentional aspect of an event, suggesting it happened without planning or purpose.

fluke occurrence

Implies the event was unusual, unexpected and unlikely to be repeated.

happy accident

Suggests an unplanned event that resulted in a positive or beneficial outcome.

unplanned incident

Highlights the lack of premeditation or design behind an event.

fortuitous event

Implies that the event was not only accidental but also lucky or advantageous.

blind luck

Underscores the complete lack of skill or intention, and relies entirely on good fortune.

casual connection

Indicates that a link between two things is weak, unplanned and not significant.

FAQs

How can I use "mere coincidence" in a sentence?

You can use "mere coincidence" to describe events that appear related but are actually unconnected. For example, "The fact that they both chose the same day for their weddings was a "mere coincidence"."

What phrases are similar to "mere coincidence"?

Similar phrases include "pure chance", "random occurrence", or "simple accident", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it ever appropriate to use "mere coincidence" sarcastically?

While possible, using "mere coincidence" sarcastically can be risky. The intention must be clear to avoid confusion. Sarcasm is effective if the shared understanding is strong. Consider if "unlikely explanation" suits you better.

What's the difference between "mere coincidence" and "fate"?

"Mere coincidence" implies a lack of connection, while "fate" suggests a predetermined course of events. They represent opposite perspectives on causality. "Mere coincidence" states the opposite of something being "meant to be".