unexpected meeting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unexpected meeting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a meeting that was not planned or anticipated. Example: "I had an unexpected meeting with my boss today, which changed my entire schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Varoufakis said following his unexpected meeting with Lagarde that Greece "intends to meet all obligations to all its creditors, ad infinitum".

The Guardian

And he was fascinated by Ms. Tracey, whose character looked increasingly dazed by the mysterious feelings the unexpected meeting awakened.

The New York Times - Arts

The country's president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, arranged an unexpected meeting with military and political leaders late yesterday following Mubarak's departure.

The Guardian

But like any unexpected meeting with a wild creature, it left us enthralled long after its departure.

The Guardian

When I increase my workload in the summer, I better understand the guilt Peter feels when he has an unexpected meeting and can't make it home for dinner.

The New York Times

But the page is also turning social networking software designed to help friends stay in touch into an unexpected meeting ground for strangers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

"So the best American food often surprises with unexpected meetings of tastes and textures".

The New York Times

Panels on the PROGRAMMABLE, WEARABLE, LIVABLE and INVISIBLE will explore new and unexpected meetings of the digital and material worlds.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"It's like being in a bunker, but at the same time it's possible to have unexpected meetings".

The New York Times - Style

Panels on the PROGRAMMABLE, WEARABLE, LIVABLE and INVISIBLE along with a concert, AUDIBLE explored new and unexpected meetings of the digital and material worlds.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Panels on the PROGRAMMABLE, WEARABLE, LIVABLE and INVISIBLE along with a concert, AUDIBLE will explore new and unexpected meetings of the digital and material worlds.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unexpected meeting" to create a sense of surprise or anticipation in your writing. It can be a useful plot device in storytelling.

Common error

Avoid using "unexpected meeting" repeatedly in a short span. Vary your language with alternatives like "surprise meeting" or "chance encounter" to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unexpected meeting" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As shown in the examples, it describes an event that was not planned or anticipated. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unexpected meeting" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase to describe unplanned encounters. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in various contexts. While appropriate for formal and informal writing, be mindful of overuse and consider using synonyms like "surprise meeting" or "chance encounter" for variety. This phrase appears most frequently in news and media, academic, and encyclopedia sources, indicating its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unannounced meeting

Focuses on the lack of prior notification.

surprise meeting

Highlights the element of surprise.

unforeseen encounter

Emphasizes the unanticipated nature of the get-together.

chance encounter

Highlights the element of chance or luck in the meeting.

coincidental meeting

Emphasizes the coincidental nature of the meeting.

impromptu gathering

Implies a spontaneous and informal meeting.

sudden rendezvous

Highlights the abruptness of the meeting.

unplanned get-together

Focuses on the lack of prior planning.

serendipitous encounter

Highlights the fortunate or lucky nature of the meeting.

fortuitous encounter

Emphasizes the accidental and lucky nature of the meeting.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "unexpected meeting"?

You can use alternatives like "surprise meeting", "unplanned meeting", or "chance encounter" depending on the context.

How to use "unexpected meeting" in a sentence?

Example: "The conference led to an "unexpected meeting" between the CEOs of the two rival companies." Or: "During my walk, I had an "unexpected meeting" with an old friend."

Is "unexpected meeting" formal or informal?

The phrase "unexpected meeting" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the overall tone and vocabulary of your writing.

What's the difference between "unexpected meeting" and "surprise meeting"?

While similar, "unexpected meeting" emphasizes the lack of anticipation, while "surprise meeting" highlights the element of shock or amazement. They are often interchangeable, but the best choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.