sheer coincidence

USAGE SUMMARY

"sheer coincidence" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to express the unlikely occurrence of two events that happen to be related. For example, you could say: "It was sheer coincidence that we ended up sitting next to each other at the game!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

By sheer coincidence, the move also coincides with the news that for the first time this "holiday season", Netflix will spend more money in streaming costs than they will in postage.

TechCrunch

Sheer coincidence.

The New York Times - Magazine

Is this sheer coincidence?

The New York Times - Books

Can this be sheer coincidence?

The New York Times - Arts

"It's sheer coincidence that they're happening at the same time," Ms. Sele, 61, of Montclair, said.

The New York Times

As if by sheer coincidence, the BBC's decision has been reversed (I learn).

The Guardian

By sheer coincidence, Spiro Agnew happened to be in Albuquerque that day.

The Guardian - Opinion

All religions are bad but some religions – especially those in the Middle East, by sheer coincidence!

The Guardian - Opinion

It is not sheer coincidence that Blair is an enthusiastic reader of Sir Walter Scott.

The Guardian - Books

By sheer coincidence I had to be home in the daytime and checked my postbox.

The Guardian

A year later, by sheer coincidence, my parents found each other.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sheer coincidence" to emphasize the unlikelihood of a connection between two events. This can add emphasis and surprise to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "sheer coincidence" too frequently in a single piece of writing, as it can make the narrative seem contrived or unbelievable. Opt for more subtle language to indicate unexpected connections.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheer coincidence" functions as an adverbial phrase to emphasize the unexpected nature of a coinciding event. Ludwig's examples illustrate its role in highlighting the improbability of related occurrences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sheer coincidence" is a frequently used phrase that expresses the unlikely or unexpected occurrence of related events. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted in writing and speech. It serves to emphasize the lack of planning or intention behind the coincidence, often conveying surprise or disbelief. Found predominantly in neutral contexts such as news and media, "sheer coincidence" is a useful tool for highlighting the random nature of events. When using this expression, remember not to overuse it within a single piece of writing. Alternatives like "pure chance" or "total accident" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pure chance

Emphasizes the role of randomness more strongly.

total accident

Highlights the unintentional nature of the event.

complete happenstance

Uses a more formal word for an unplanned event.

utter fortuity

Stresses the luck involved in the occurrence.

random occurrence

Focuses on the lack of any predictable pattern.

lucky break

Implies a fortunate, unexpected event.

fluke occurrence

Suggests an improbable and unusual event.

unforeseen event

Highlights the unexpected nature of the incident.

unexpected twist

Suggests an element of surprise and change.

serendipitous event

Implies a fortunate discovery made by accident.

FAQs

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

You can use "sheer coincidence" to describe an unlikely concurrence of events. For example: "It was "sheer coincidence" that we both chose the same restaurant for lunch."

What are some alternatives to "sheer coincidence"?

Alternatives include "pure chance", "total accident", or "complete happenstance". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "sheer coincidence"?

While "coincidence" alone implies an unplanned event, adding "sheer" emphasizes the unlikelihood of the occurrence. It is not strictly redundant, but rather adds emphasis.

How does "sheer coincidence" differ from "deliberate action"?

"Sheer coincidence" describes an unplanned event, whereas "deliberate action" implies intention and planning. They are contrasting concepts. One is random and unplanned, the other is intentional.