through serendipity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "through serendipity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an occurrence or discovery that happens by chance in a fortunate or beneficial way. Example: "The scientist made a groundbreaking discovery through serendipity while conducting unrelated experiments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Sometimes roasters find coffee farms through serendipity.

The New York Times - Food

Sometimes, it seems, a campaign can prosper through serendipity.

The New York Times

It's a great genre, one that allows you to document the human condition through serendipity.

The Guardian

Ms. Dirie escaped an impoverished childhood in Somalia and, largely through serendipity, became a sought-after model.

The New York Times

Just think of all the great inventions that have come through serendipity, such as Fleming's discovery of penicillin, and just noticing something no one conceived of before".

The New York Times - Science

Few people in the world of social entrepreneurship ever set out with the aim of becoming rich, and as I discovered, some start out through serendipity.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Through sheer serendipity and the determined detective work of a Southern historian, the voluminous collection was pieced together, along with the puzzle of Sneden's life and obsessions.

The New York Times - Books

The situationists urged a different sort of resistance, one that happened through play, serendipity and by being deeply attuned to the experiential qualities of the city.

The Guardian - Arts

Through sheer serendipity (my husband says laziness), I found that the flowers not only naturally dry out when water evaporates in a vase but also hold their color.

The New York Times - Style

Through sheer serendipity, many of my perennials have not been affected by watering restrictions and record droughts, weeks of unrelenting high heat and humidity, and the flooding downpours of hurricanes.

The New York Times

CircleMe's Google Play listing is a bit buzzwordy – "an innovative social way to collect all the things you love and discover new ones through smart serendipity" – but it's an interesting idea nonetheless.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "through serendipity", ensure the context clearly indicates a positive or beneficial outcome resulted from the chance occurrence.

Common error

Avoid using "through serendipity" when describing events that were the result of deliberate planning or effort; this phrase is best reserved for genuinely unexpected and fortunate occurrences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "through serendipity" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate how an action or event occurred. It describes the manner in which something happened—specifically, by fortunate chance. Ludwig showcases this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "through serendipity" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that describes how something happened by fortunate chance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and utility in various contexts, especially in news, media, and scientific writing. While alternatives like "by chance" or "by happenstance" exist, "through serendipity" adds a nuance of positive unexpectedness. When employing this phrase, ensure the context reflects a genuinely unplanned and beneficial occurrence. Remember to avoid using it for events resulting from deliberate planning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by chance

This is a more concise and direct way of saying something happened unexpectedly.

by happenstance

This emphasizes the accidental nature of the event.

through good fortune

This highlights the element of luck and positive outcome.

through a happy accident

This highlights the accidental nature of the event leading to a positive result.

by a stroke of luck

This emphasizes the unexpected and fortunate nature of the event.

by a lucky break

Emphasizes the positive aspect of an unforeseen opportunity.

accidentally

Focuses on the unintended nature of the occurrence.

fortuitously

Highlights the fortunate and unexpected aspect.

unexpectedly

Simply emphasizes the surprise element.

by a twist of fate

Implies that an unpredictable force directed events in a positive way.

FAQs

How can I use "through serendipity" in a sentence?

You can use "through serendipity" to describe how a fortunate discovery or event occurred by chance. For example, "The scientist made a breakthrough "by chance" while researching a different problem".

What are some alternatives to "through serendipity"?

Alternatives include phrases like ""by chance"", "by happenstance", or "through good fortune", which all convey the idea of an unexpected and positive occurrence.

Is it appropriate to use "through serendipity" in formal writing?

Yes, "through serendipity" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when emphasizing the role of chance in a positive outcome. However, simpler alternatives like ""by chance"" may be preferable in some contexts depending on the desired tone.

What is the difference between "through serendipity" and "through planning"?

"Through serendipity" implies an unexpected and fortunate occurrence, while "through planning" suggests a deliberate and intentional process. They are opposites; one emphasizes chance, the other, intent.