strange coincidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strange coincidence" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe a situation in which two seemingly unrelated events happen at the same time, and the likelihood of that happening is considered low. For example, "It was a strange coincidence that my friend and I visited the same restaurant on the same day, even though we live in different states."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Strange coincidence.

Harvard University

It was a strange coincidence.

The Guardian

It was a very strange coincidence.

The New York Times

And now for the strange coincidence.

The Guardian

A not so strange coincidence enters here.

The New York Times

"I can also say it's a strange coincidence.

The New York Times

The bird was a strange coincidence of solidity and air.

The New York Times - Magazine

There was a strange coincidence of dates there, too.

The Guardian - Film

By strange coincidence it is the first anniversary of his marriage.

The New York Times

Seelig does not attempt to offer an explanation for the strange coincidence.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I move again to the frontline--by a strange coincidence--on precisely the day that the Galil affair is buried.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "strange coincidence". Ensure that the events are genuinely surprising or unlikely to occur together, adding impact to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "strange coincidence" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your writing seem repetitive. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strange coincidence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It names an unexpected occurrence, highlighting its unusual nature. Ludwig AI shows examples where it introduces surprising connections between events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strange coincidence" is a noun phrase used to describe an unexpected concurrence of events. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in News & Media. The phrase serves to express surprise and highlight notable connections. While its register is generally neutral, be mindful of overuse to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "odd coincidence" or "remarkable coincidence" can provide variety. When writing, consider the context to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the unusual nature of the event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

odd coincidence

Replaces "strange" with "odd", suggesting a slightly less remarkable coincidence.

peculiar coincidence

Substitutes "strange" with "peculiar", emphasizing the unusual nature of the coincidence.

remarkable coincidence

Replaces "strange" with "remarkable", highlighting the noteworthy aspect of the coincidence.

curious coincidence

Uses "curious" instead of "strange", focusing on the intriguing aspect of the coincidence.

unusual coincidence

Substitutes "strange" with "unusual", emphasizing the infrequency of the coincidence.

notable coincidence

Replaces "strange" with "notable", focusing on the importance of the coincidence.

fluky coincidence

Replaces "strange" with "fluky", suggesting that the coincidence is due to chance.

serendipitous event

Replaces the entire phrase with a more positive connotation, suggesting a fortunate coincidence.

chance occurrence

Offers a more neutral and factual alternative, focusing on the element of chance.

fortuitous circumstance

Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal alternative, highlighting the accidental and favorable nature of the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "strange coincidence" to describe two unrelated events that happen simultaneously. For example, "It was a "strange coincidence" that both of us were wearing the same shirt."

What phrases are similar to "strange coincidence"?

Alternatives include "odd coincidence", "unusual coincidence", or "remarkable coincidence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "strange coincidence" in formal writing?

Yes, "strange coincidence" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in very formal contexts, you might prefer a more sophisticated phrase like "fortuitous circumstance".

What's the difference between "strange coincidence" and "irony"?

"Strange coincidence" refers to an unlikely concurrence of events, while irony involves a contrast between expectation and reality. A "strange coincidence" might be two people independently choosing the same book, while irony would be a fire station burning down.