random occurrence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "random occurrence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something unexpected that has happened or might happen without warning. For example, "Unexpected storms can be a random occurrence in the springtime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was no random occurrence.

The Guardian

But her visit was a totally random occurrence".

The New York Times

"Fumbles are a random occurrence," Schwartz said he told Belichick.

The New York Times - Sports

That's not a random occurrence, as our Dave Weigel reported Wednesday.

The Washington Post

Good performance seems to be a random occurrence in no way related to effort.

Harvard Business Review

Despite the random occurrence of individual primes, the primes themselves were found to follow a remarkably simple distribution.

The New York Times - Science

Firstly, this was not some entirely random occurrence divorced from the skills and match-winning qualities of both teams.

The Guardian - Sport

The presence of women in the top management of a firm is obviously not a random occurrence.

Harvard University

Pakistan analysts caution that Mr. Saeed's new openness is no random occurrence, however.

The New York Times

It is the timing and brutality of this seemingly random occurrence, albeit accepted as part of life, that Miss Graham has captured in her staging, theatricality and choreography.

The New York Times - Arts

The spatial reconstruction of the simulated transients reflects the random occurrence of the real transients.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "random occurrence", ensure the context clearly indicates the lack of predictability or pattern in the event being described. This clarifies that the event is not due to a specific cause or influence.

Common error

Avoid using "random occurrence" excessively in highly formal or scientific writing where precise terminology is preferred. Consider more specific terms like "stochastic event" or "unexplained variation" to convey a more technical meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "random occurrence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes an event or phenomenon that happens without a discernible pattern or predictable cause. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "random occurrence" is a versatile phrase used to describe events lacking predictable patterns or specific causes. It functions as a noun phrase and serves to communicate unpredictability. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. While generally neutral, the formality can be adjusted with synonyms depending on the context. The frequency is high, making it a common expression across various fields, particularly in news, science, and formal business contexts. Keep in mind to avoid overusing the phrase in a formal context, and prefer more specific technical terms instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chance event

Replaces "occurrence" with a synonym emphasizing the element of chance. Reduces the formality slightly.

unforeseen event

Highlights the unexpected nature of the event, focusing on its unpredictability rather than randomness.

unexpected incident

Substitutes "occurrence" with "incident", emphasizing a specific event that was not anticipated.

fluke event

Suggests the event is an outlier and not representative of typical outcomes.

coincidental happening

Emphasizes the concurrence of events without a direct causal relationship.

sporadic instance

Indicates the event occurs irregularly and infrequently.

isolated case

Implies the event is unique and not part of a larger pattern.

haphazard incident

Replaces the word "random" with "haphazard", indicating lack of planning or organization.

unpredictable situation

Focuses on the unpredictability aspect of the event or circumstance.

accidental event

Highlights that the event was unintentional and unplanned.

FAQs

How can I use "random occurrence" in a sentence?

You can use "random occurrence" to describe events that happen without any predictable pattern. For example, "The discovery was a "random occurrence" that led to a major breakthrough."

What are some alternatives to "random occurrence"?

Some alternatives to "random occurrence" include "chance event", "unexpected incident", or "unforeseen event". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "random occurrence" a formal or informal phrase?

"Random occurrence" is suitable for both neutral and slightly formal contexts. In highly formal or scientific writing, consider using terms like "stochastic event" or "unexplained variation".

What's the difference between "random occurrence" and "coincidence"?

"Random occurrence" refers to an event happening without a predictable pattern, while "coincidence" implies two or more events happening together in a surprising or seemingly connected way. A "random occurrence" may or may not be a coincidence.