only by chance

USAGE SUMMARY

"only by chance" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe something that happened unexpectedly or something that was lucky or fortunate. Example: I found the perfect job only by chance; I had no idea it existed until I stumbled upon the listing.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was only by chance that Sisher discovered her condition.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Only by chance do we know she is there.

The Guardian

It was only by chance that he escaped.

The Guardian - Opinion

Pearlman sits on top of this statistical marvel only by chance.

The New York Times - Sports

Living side by side, the communities of Jackson Heights appear to connect only by chance.

The New Yorker

Only by chance did it observe the right patch of sky at the right time.

The Economist

Only by chance was it found to serve as a reliable contraceptive.

Independent

It is only by chance that neither I nor anyone I love is among them — yet.

The New York Times

It was only by chance that Palace even landed the bullpen catcher job.

The Washington Post

It was only by chance that he discovered a way to find out.

The New York Times - Health

She said: "It was only by chance that we found out Mark's real identity.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only by chance" to highlight the unexpected or unplanned nature of an event. It adds emphasis to the role of luck or unforeseen circumstances. For example, "I discovered this hidden gem of a restaurant only by chance when I took a wrong turn."

Common error

Avoid using "only by chance" when you want to express that something is possible but unlikely, use "unlikely" instead. "Only by chance" indicates a surprising or accidental occurrence that already happened, not a possibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only by chance" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the manner in which something occurred. It modifies a verb or clause to specify that an event happened unexpectedly, accidentally, or due to unforeseen circumstances. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating this function effectively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "only by chance" is a common and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to emphasize the accidental or unexpected nature of an event. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and wide usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. The phrase serves to highlight the role of luck or unforeseen circumstances, indicating that something happened without planning or intention. While alternatives like "purely by accident" or "simply by luck" exist, "only by chance" provides a versatile and clear way to convey this meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

purely by accident

Focuses on the accidental nature of the event, emphasizing lack of intention.

simply by luck

Highlights the role of luck or good fortune in the event's occurrence.

merely by coincidence

Emphasizes the coincidental alignment of events leading to the outcome.

just by fortune

Stresses the element of good fortune or serendipity.

solely through happenstance

Highlights the unplanned and circumstantial nature of the occurrence.

completely unplanned

Underscores the absence of any intention or design.

entirely fortuitous

Focuses on the lucky and beneficial aspect of the event.

unexpectedly

A simpler adverbial form indicating lack of anticipation.

serendipitously

Highlights the fortunate and accidental discovery or occurrence.

unintentionally

Emphasizes the lack of deliberate action or purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "only by chance" in a sentence?

You can use "only by chance" to describe events that happened unexpectedly or due to luck. For example, "I met my best friend "only by chance" at a coffee shop."

What does "only by chance" mean?

"Only by chance" signifies that something occurred due to unforeseen circumstances or luck, rather than planning or intention. It emphasizes the accidental nature of an event.

Which is correct, "only by chance" or "just by chance"?

Both "only by chance" and "just by chance" are correct and interchangeable. They convey the same meaning, indicating an unexpected or accidental occurrence.

What can I say instead of "only by chance"?

You can use alternatives like "purely by accident", "simply by luck", or "merely by coincidence" depending on the context.