sheer chance

USAGE SUMMARY

'sheer chance' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that happened randomly or by luck, with no planning or foresight. For example: "Winning the lottery was nothing but sheer chance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

By sheer chance we find it.

Independent

"The viola came to me by sheer chance," he recalls.

The Guardian - Music

"It was sheer chance," said Dr. Donald Olson, an astronomer.

The New York Times - Science

"It was sheer chance that the man was even in the elevator to aid Sanchez".

Independent

By sheer chance of fate, its arrival coincided with the outbreak of secession.

The New York Times

The plan proved a good test of communist intentions by sheer chance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sheer chance kept the dynamite from detonating; another Manhattan clinic was not so fortunate.

The New York Times

In "Consequences," crucial encounters occur by sheer chance, by a hair's breadth.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

I met Blacky and his boys last year by chance, and by sheer luck I was able to interview him.

Vice

If they are not specially posed, their aesthetic effect is sheer lucky chance.

The Guardian - Books

Just in terms of sheer numbers, chances of survival are better among the hundreds of Internet stocks than it was for the dozens of publicly traded first-generation PC companies.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sheer chance" to emphasize that an event occurred without any planning or intention, purely based on luck or randomness.

Common error

Avoid using "sheer chance" when a successful outcome is the result of careful planning, skill, or effort. It implies a lack of control or predictability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheer chance" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or an adverbial modifier. It modifies a verb or describes a noun by indicating the role of randomness or luck in an event, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sheer chance" is a phrase used to emphasize that an event occurred randomly or due to luck, without any planning or intention. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely used. It functions as a noun phrase, often modifying verbs or describing nouns, and carries a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While interchangeable with phrases like "pure luck" and "mere luck", it's important to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid using it when an outcome is the result of planning or skill, as it implies a lack of control.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pure luck

Emphasizes the role of luck without any qualification.

mere luck

Downplays any significance beyond luck.

blind luck

Highlights the randomness and lack of foresight involved.

random occurrence

Focuses on the randomness of the event, removing the element of luck.

stroke of luck

Emphasizes the fortunate and unexpected nature of the event.

fluke

Suggests an unusual and improbable event.

fortuitous event

Emphasizes the positive and accidental nature of the occurrence.

accident

Emphasizes the unplanned nature of the event, potentially with negative connotations.

by happenstance

Focuses on the incidental or unplanned nature of the event.

coincidence

Highlights the simultaneous occurrence of events without a causal connection.

FAQs

How can I use "sheer chance" in a sentence?

You can use "sheer chance" to describe an event that happened randomly or by luck. For example, "Winning the competition was due to "sheer chance", as I hadn't prepared properly."

What phrases are similar to "sheer chance"?

Similar phrases include "pure luck", "mere luck", and "blind luck". These phrases all imply a lack of control or predictability in an outcome.

Is "sheer chance" a formal or informal expression?

"Sheer chance" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal writing, you might consider alternatives like "random occurrence" or "fortuitous event" for added precision.

What is the difference between "sheer chance" and "coincidence"?

"Sheer chance" emphasizes the randomness and lack of intention behind an event. "Coincidence" highlights the simultaneous occurrence of events, often implying a surprising or noteworthy connection.