such a coincidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'such a coincidence' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever two unexpected or unlikely things happen at the same time. For example, "It's such a coincidence that we both decided to wear purple today!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Such a coincidence, he says, is rare.

The Economist

"It's just such a coincidence.

The New York Times - Sports

Such a coincidence must have an explanation.

University of California, Berkeley

"We cannot ignore such a coincidence," said a spokesman.

The Guardian

The odds on such a coincidence occurring must be staggeringly high.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Do not, whatever you do, let anyone find out the probability of such a coincidence.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Thes article originally apotentialn VICE US.

Vice

In a movie or a novel, such a grim coincidence might have been criticized as unrealistic.

The New York Times

"We're not really religious," she said, but "we thought it was such a great coincidence and a good sign".

The New York Times

The occurrence of any epoch with such a "triple coincidence" is puzzling, and yet it appears that we happen to live during this special epoch.

University of California, Berkeley

In early 1858 he sent a paper outlining these ideas to Darwin, who saw such a striking coincidence to his own theory that he consulted his closest colleagues, the geologist Charles Lyell and the botanist Joseph Dalton Hooker.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "such a coincidence" to express surprise or highlight the improbability of two things happening at the same time. It is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid implying a causal link where none exists. Just because two events occur simultaneously does not mean one caused the other. "Such a coincidence" should only highlight the unexpected concurrence, not suggest a direct relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "such a coincidence" functions primarily as an exclamatory phrase, expressing surprise or acknowledgement of an unlikely concurrence. As Ludwig demonstrates, it is often used to highlight the unexpected nature of simultaneous events or circumstances.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "such a coincidence" is a common phrase used to express surprise or acknowledge the unlikelihood of two or more things happening at the same time. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across diverse contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, it is important to avoid implying a causal relationship between the coinciding events. Alternatives like "remarkable coincidence" or "striking concurrence" can be employed for a more formal tone. By understanding its function, purpose, and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively use "such a coincidence" to enhance their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What a remarkable coincidence

Emphasizes the striking nature of the coincidence.

How strangely coincidental

Highlights the odd or peculiar nature of the coinciding events.

A surprising convergence of events

Focuses on the coming together of separate events in an unexpected manner.

An unlikely concurrence

Underscores the low probability of the events happening together.

A fortunate synchronicity

Suggests a positive or beneficial aspect to the coinciding events.

A peculiar alignment of circumstances

Points out the unusual arrangement of events that led to the coincidence.

A chance alignment of events

Highlights randomness and unexpectedness.

It's a freak coincidence

Emphasizes the unexpectedness.

An unlooked-for coincidence

Focuses on the unexpected or unplanned nature of the coinciding events.

A random twist of fate

Implies that destiny or chance played a role in the coincidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "such a coincidence" to express surprise or highlight the unlikelihood of two things happening simultaneously. For example, "It's "such a coincidence" that we're both wearing the same shirt!"

What is a more formal way to say "such a coincidence"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "a remarkable coincidence" or "a striking concurrence". These options maintain the meaning but elevate the formality of your language.

What does it mean when someone says "There's no such thing as a coincidence"?

When someone says there's no "such a coincidence", they often believe that events are connected by fate, destiny, or a hidden cause, rather than being purely random.

Is it correct to say "such a coincident" instead of "such a coincidence"?

No, "such a coincident" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""such a coincidence"", where "coincidence" is a noun.