unexpected accident

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unexpected accident" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when referring to a surprise event, such as, "We had an unexpected accident on the way to the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He meant that the unexpected accident would remove his best horse from the only Kentucky Derby he could ever enter, and that the injury might prevent Greenwood Lake from ever returning with the same brilliance.

The New York Times - Sports

And yet suppose also that her intention is realized only by a wholly unexpected accident.

SEP

Fault diagnosis of rolling element bearings is beneficial to preventing any unexpected accident and reducing economic loss.

Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing

Only one of them mentioned an unexpected risk associated with the credit-based transaction, and he attributed it to an unexpected accident, not an intentional fraud as the reseller lost all his assets and property because of gambling debts and thus was not able to pay back the rest of his debt.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Though some speculated that the video could be a staged stunt for viral promotion of his exhibit, Birch told media that it was truly an unexpected accident, estimating the damage done to his art at about $200,000.

Vice

Adverse effect Any unforeseen and unexpected accident identified upon medical examination that has caused an injury and/or incapacity due to health care received and not the patient's base ailment.

BMC Family Practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"This is the largest and most complex mixed-use project in the country, and unfortunately, unexpected accidents and events do occur on projects of this magnitude and scale," he said.

The New York Times

Accurate residual life prediction of a slewing bearing can reduce unexpected accidents and unnecessary maintenances.

Mechanism and Machine Theory

Besides, automotive vehicles have become so much faster experiencing uplift force which creates unexpected accidents.

Procedia Engineering

The adaptability of state control strategy splendidly accommodates various unexpected accidents or faults of the power distribution grid.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

But when government involvement in space increased in such countries as the United States in the 1980s, so too did the unexpected accidents and disasters.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unexpected accident", ensure the context clearly indicates that the event was both unforeseen and unintentional. Avoid using it for events that were predictable or intended.

Common error

Avoid using "unexpected accident" to describe situations where the risk of an accident was known or reasonably foreseeable. Use it only when the event truly came as a surprise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unexpected accident" functions as a noun phrase, where "unexpected" modifies "accident". This combination serves to emphasize the unforeseen nature of the event. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unexpected accident" is grammatically sound and serves to highlight the unforeseen nature of an unintentional event. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's most appropriate for describing surprise incidents, as opposed to neglecting incidents. While primarily used in scientific and news contexts, it maintains a neutral register applicable across various communication styles. Remember to reserve it for situations that are truly surprising to avoid misrepresenting the events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unforeseen incident

Replaces "accident" with "incident", suggesting a broader range of unplanned events.

chance mishap

Emphasizes the element of chance and the minor, accidental nature of the event.

unanticipated event

Focuses on the lack of anticipation, using "event" as a more general term.

sudden mishap

Highlights the abruptness of the event, using "mishap" to downplay severity.

surprise occurrence

Stresses the element of surprise, depicting it more as a factual happening than an accident.

random happening

Emphasizes the randomness and lack of predictability, using "happening" to suggest a more passive occurrence.

unlooked-for event

Uses a more formal tone to emphasize that the event was not anticipated.

fluke incident

Emphasizes the improbability and unusual nature of the incident.

fortuitous accident

Describes a fortunate accident or positive outcome derived from it. "Fortuitous" means something that happens by chance.

unpredicted incident

Replaces "accident" with "incident" and highlights the lack of prediction.

FAQs

How can I use "unexpected accident" in a sentence?

You might say, "The project was delayed due to an unexpected accident at the construction site" or "The company faced losses because of an unexpected accident involving its key equipment".

What phrases are similar to "unexpected accident"?

Alternatives include "unforeseen incident", "chance mishap", or "unanticipated event", which all convey a sense of surprise and lack of planning.

Is it redundant to say "unexpected accident" since accidents are usually unexpected?

While accidents are often unexpected, using the phrase "unexpected accident" can emphasize the surprise nature of the event, highlighting that it was not only unintentional but also unforeseen. It serves to add emphasis.

What's the difference between "unexpected accident" and "negligent incident"?

An "unexpected accident" implies no prior fault or negligence, whereas a "negligent incident" suggests that the event occurred due to someone's carelessness or failure to take reasonable precautions.