quite accidental

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite accidental" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that happens by chance or without intention. Example: "The discovery of the ancient artifact was quite accidental, as the archaeologists were initially searching for something else."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

I had a lot of pain before then and there was a quite accidental sort of misdiagnosis of the condition.

The Guardian

The fit of his longtime passion with his new one, digital photography, was quite accidental, Mr. Mattia said.

The New York Times

The Daily Mail's critic thought that the play tasted not of honey but "of exercise books and marmalade" and that its "similarities to real drama are quite accidental".

The Guardian

Meanwhile, five miles north-west of Narborough, at the University of Leicester, geneticist Alec Jeffreys had made a remarkable – and quite accidental – discovery during a failed experiment to study the way in which inherited illnesses pass through families.

The Guardian

The particulars in the Legend touching the West Indies seem too numerous and precise to be quite accidental; yet if St. Brendan had himself collected those particulars in actual experience, he would almost certainly have told more than appears in the Legend.

University of Chicago

The origins were quite accidental.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

New forms have been printed, but further such not-quite-accidental mishaps cannot be ruled out.In this section Consternation The new rules of Latin America's political game Work cut out Reprints Related items May 20th 1999 Brazil: Work cut outMay 20th 1999Eduardo Frei, Chile's current president, also faced a primary before his election in 1993.

The Economist

I'm quite the accidental hero.

The Guardian - Travel

Since it has already been established that Pilar harbors a serious crush on Fen, their meeting may not be quite so accidental.

The New York Times

It's led to quite a few accidental moving of files and that sort of confusion.

TechCrunch

Photograph: Parisa Taghizadeh/AP An interesting category this, with four quite different shows – An Accidental Soldier, Mrs Biggs, Power Games and Top of the Lake – battling it out for the honour.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite accidental" to emphasize that an event or discovery was not planned or intended, adding a layer of surprise or unexpectedness to the narrative. Be mindful of the context; it's most effective when highlighting unplanned positive outcomes or surprising discoveries.

Common error

Avoid using "quite accidental" excessively in formal or academic writing where precision is paramount. Opt for more precise terms like "unintentional" or "unforeseen" to maintain a professional tone and avoid sounding too casual or diminishing the significance of the event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite accidental" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically describing a noun or event. It specifies that something happened unexpectedly or without intention. Ludwig indicates that the expression is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quite accidental" is a grammatically correct and usable adjectival modifier that emphasizes the unplanned or unintentional nature of an event or discovery. Ludwig confirms its validity and showcases usage across diverse contexts such as news, academic research and scientific publications, although is most common in news and media sources. While versatile, it's important to consider the level of formality required by the setting, as more precise language might be preferred in strictly professional or academic contexts. The phrase conveys surprise, lack of intent or serendipity, thus contributing significant meaning when used carefully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entirely coincidental

Emphasizes that the event happened purely by chance, with no intended connection.

purely by chance

Highlights the role of luck or unforeseen circumstances in the event.

completely unintentional

Focuses on the lack of intent behind the event.

totally unplanned

Stresses the absence of any prior planning or design.

wholly inadvertent

Indicates that the event happened due to a lack of attention or oversight.

utterly unlooked-for

Suggests that the event was completely unexpected and surprising.

serendipitous occurrence

Implies a fortunate and unexpected event.

fortuitous happening

Similar to serendipitous, but can also suggest a more neutral or less positive outcome.

by a fluke

Indicates that the event was an unlikely and unusual occurrence.

out of the blue

Emphasizes the sudden and unexpected nature of the event.

FAQs

How can I use "quite accidental" in a sentence?

You can use "quite accidental" to describe an event that occurred unexpectedly or without planning. For example, "The discovery of penicillin was a "quite accidental" finding".

What are some alternatives to saying "quite accidental"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "entirely coincidental", "purely by chance", or "completely unintentional" to replace "quite accidental".

Is "quite accidental" formal or informal?

"Quite accidental" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is important to consider the tone and audience. In very formal settings, more precise language may be preferred.

What is the difference between "quite accidental" and "completely accidental"?

While both phrases indicate a lack of intention, "completely accidental" emphasizes the total absence of intent, while ""quite accidental"" may suggest a slightly lesser degree of unplanned occurrence. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.