mysterious coincidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mysterious coincidence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or situation that seems to happen by chance in a way that is puzzling or difficult to explain. Example: "The fact that they both arrived at the same restaurant at the same time was a mysterious coincidence that left them both intrigued."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In the context of Newtonian mechanics, the fact that they are always identical amounts to an astonishing and mysterious coincidence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By mysterious coincidence -- or perhaps to maintain some cosmic pop equilibrium -- the Portuguese-Canadian songwriter Nelly Furtado has decided to put out an album of supremely catchy, hemisphere-hopping Spanish-language pop, "Mi Plan".

The New York Times

I hope this is evidently true in the discussion above of the inverse square law, where an apparently mysterious coincidence between gravity and electromagnetism is understood in terms of the influence of spheres.

The Guardian

His politics harked back to the politics of Lincoln, who read Shakespeare aloud as he was sailing up the Potomac days before his death and, through mysterious coincidence, chose "Macbeth" to recite, the very play in which Shakespeare is believed to have invented the word "assassination".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The Celestine Prophecy series of books formed a model for spiritual insight that has resonated with millions of people, focusing on the mysterious coincidences that occur in each of our lives.

Huffington Post

A labyrinth of weird coincidences, mysterious phone calls, slinky femmes fatales and dangerous pharmaceuticals, all supported by a soundtrack marinated in that ironic, resolutely incongruous music that is a staple of all indie flicks, Brick is clearly in the rich film noir tradition of The Maltese Falcon.

The Guardian - Film

The drama of Abel and Betsy's illicit affair mirrors the drama of Gus's mysterious death, and it's no coincidence that Grey is the able player in both cases.

The New York Times - Books

Yet they are seen as mysterious and unpredictable; it's not a coincidence that sphinxes are symbols of inscrutability.

The Guardian

Whether the list signals a coincidence, a fad, or some more mysterious pattern none of us can yet say, but it may be worth asking, amid the rise of the filial drama, where did the love stories go?

The New Yorker

Including as they do brutal political repression, efficacious prayers by a pious abuela, historical coincidences in a tropical setting and a mysterious "Golden Mongoose", these flashbacks sometimes lean heavily towards the Macondo side of things.

The Guardian - Books

Tom Hughes Ghost Death Knell It's probably no coincidence that the most infernal sounding track by these mysterious psyche-pop metallers is also their most catchy.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mysterious coincidence" when you want to emphasize the puzzling nature of events that occur together by chance. This is particularly useful in narratives or analytical writing where you want to create a sense of intrigue.

Common error

Avoid using "mysterious coincidence" too frequently, as it can lose its impact. If you find yourself using it repeatedly, consider exploring synonyms like "strange concurrence" or "remarkable synchronicity" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mysterious coincidence" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It describes an event or situation characterized by an inexplicable and unexpected concurrence. Ludwig examples show its use in various narrative and descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mysterious coincidence" is a descriptive noun phrase used to denote an unexpected and puzzling alignment of events. Ludwig's analysis indicates it's grammatically correct and serves to evoke surprise or intrigue. Although relatively rare, its usage spans across news, media, and encyclopedic contexts. To enhance writing, use this phrase sparingly and be mindful of its slightly formal tone, opting for synonyms like "remarkable synchronicity" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Strange concurrence

Emphasizes the oddity of events happening together.

Remarkable synchronicity

Highlights the meaningful alignment of events.

Peculiar convergence

Focuses on the unusual meeting of different elements.

Unexplained correlation

Draws attention to a relationship lacking a clear cause.

Fortuitous accident

Emphasizes luck involved in the chance event.

Unaccountable conjunction

Highlights the lack of explanation for the connected events.

Serendipitous happening

Stresses the pleasant and unexpected nature of the event.

Extraordinary happenstance

Focuses on the unusual and remarkable nature of the occurrence.

Improbable intersection

Highlights the low probability of events coinciding.

Cryptic simultaneity

Emphasizes the mysterious and simultaneous nature of the events.

FAQs

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

You can use "mysterious coincidence" to describe events that unexpectedly align in a puzzling way. For example, "It was a "mysterious coincidence" that both of them were wearing the same outfit".

What's the difference between "mysterious coincidence" and "strange coincidence"?

"Mysterious coincidence" emphasizes the inexplicable nature of the event, while "strange coincidence" simply highlights the oddity. The former implies a deeper, perhaps unknowable, reason behind the concurrence.

Are there any situations where "mysterious coincidence" might not be appropriate?

Using "mysterious coincidence" might not be appropriate in contexts that require precise, factual language, such as scientific reports. In such cases, a more neutral term like "correlation" might be more suitable.

What are some alternative phrases to "mysterious coincidence"?

You can use alternatives like "remarkable synchronicity", "peculiar convergence", or "unexplained correlation" depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.