total coincidence

USAGE SUMMARY

"total coincidence" is a correct phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe an unexpected and unlikely occurrence. For example: "It was a total coincidence that we ran into each other in the mall!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"It's just total coincidence.

The New York Times - Sports

A total coincidence?

The Guardian - Sport

"Total coincidence," Baylor said.

The New York Times - Sports

For Mr. Ostergaard it was total coincidence.

The New York Times

On all other counts, they discovered total coincidence.

The New Yorker

It would seem that is not a total coincidence.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

In fact, we could roughly estimate the ratio of the prompt gamma over total coincidences in a sinogram.

EJNMMI Physics

This results in a ratio of the prompt gamma over total of about 0.35, a relevant fraction of the total coincidences.

EJNMMI Physics

Figure 3 shows a second-order polynomial fit of the background in the image quality phantom sinogram; with this fit, we measured a 0.33 ratio of the prompt gamma over total coincidences.

EJNMMI Physics

Maybe, just maybe, these little incidents are total coincidences, and we cling to them to help ease the pain of loss, because they make us feel that much closer to my dad.

Huffington Post

Quantitative co-localization analysis was performed on raw data using AxioVision 4.5 software in two ways: (1) Scatter plot, a graphical display that compares total pixel coincidence between two channels across the entire image.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "total coincidence", ensure that the context clearly indicates that the event is indeed unexpected and not the result of any hidden factors or manipulations.

Common error

Avoid using "total coincidence" as a blanket dismissal of potentially meaningful connections. Overusing it can make you appear dismissive or unwilling to explore underlying factors. Consider whether a more nuanced explanation is warranted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "total coincidence" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It often serves as a subject complement, an appositive, or an object of a preposition. It describes the nature of an event or situation as purely accidental, as suggested by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

25%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "total coincidence" is a noun phrase used to describe events that occur purely by chance, without any intention or planning. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and common usage in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it's a useful phrase for emphasizing randomness, avoid overusing it to dismiss potentially significant connections. Consider alternatives like ""pure chance"" or ""mere coincidence"" for nuanced expression. Be mindful of the communicative purpose: conveying accidental occurrences and avoid suggesting intentionality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mere coincidence

Downplays any potential significance or underlying cause.

odd coincidence

Highlights the strangeness or peculiarity of the coincidence.

pure chance

Emphasizes the absence of any intention or cause beyond randomness; less formal.

fluke occurrence

Stresses the improbability and unusual nature of the event; more specific than "total coincidence".

random happenstance

Highlights the accidental and unplanned nature of the occurrence; more formal than "total coincidence".

sheer luck

Highlights the positive outcome of the event, suggesting fortune was involved; implies a beneficial result.

strange concurrence

More formal and emphasizes the simultaneous occurrence of events.

unforeseen circumstance

Focuses on the unexpected nature of the situation, without necessarily implying randomness.

unexpected convergence

Suggests that multiple factors came together in an unplanned way.

unplanned event

Focuses on the lack of intention, rather than the surprising nature of the event.

FAQs

What does "total coincidence" mean?

The phrase "total coincidence" describes an event or situation that occurs unexpectedly and without any apparent planning or intention. It suggests that the occurrence is purely due to chance.

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

You can use "total coincidence" to describe an unexpected event. For example: "It was a "mere coincidence" that we were both at the same conference."

What are some alternatives to "total coincidence"?

Alternatives to "total coincidence" include "pure chance", "sheer luck", or "mere coincidence" depending on the specific context.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "total coincidence"?

It might be inappropriate to use "total coincidence" if there is evidence suggesting a hidden cause or intention behind the event. Using it in such cases might seem dismissive or untruthful.