untoward incident

USAGE SUMMARY

'untoward incident' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected or inadvertent event, particularly one that is unpleasant, unfortunate, or inconvenient. For example, "The police were summoned to the party due to an untoward incident involving a fight between two guests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Had that Sunday continued without untoward incident, all those issues might well have been resolved.

The Guardian - Sport

Under the NHS this would be categorised as a life-threatening "Serious Untoward Incident".

Independent

In medicine, "untoward incident inquiries" tend to look for systems failures, rather than one individual to blame.

The Guardian

Serious untoward incident (SUI) reporting is designed to inform Strategic Health Authorities and the Department of Health about incidents that require urgent attention.

Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Reproductive Medicine

At the root of this regulatory spiral is a "flawed dialogue" between government and society about risk and how to manage it, the report concludes, which has fuelled a belief among the public that "something must be done" whenever an untoward incident occurs.

The Guardian

The authorities in Manila said the peacekeepers had not been harmed and President Benigno S. Aquino III said he believed the peacekeepers would be viewed by both sides in the Syrian conflict as a "benign presence, so we don't expect any further untoward incident to happen".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

There were only two conspicious untoward incidents.

The New Yorker

No untoward incidents marked the climax of the great desires of the United Kingdom and the Overseas Dominions.

The New York Times

Thus, the near lack of untoward incidents during this blackout may reflect a lot.

The New York Times

The report said that the five protesters were detained along with thirty-three others before any untoward incidents occurred.

The Guardian

The law was passed last year shortly before the World Series, partly in the hope of forestalling any untoward incidents there, Mr. Vallone said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "untoward incident", ensure the context clearly indicates the unexpected and usually negative nature of the event. The phrase is suitable for formal and neutral contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "untoward incident" in very casual or informal settings. Simpler terms like "problem" or "issue" may be more appropriate in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "untoward incident" functions as a noun phrase, where "untoward" is an adjective modifying the noun "incident". It describes an occurrence that is unexpected and usually undesirable. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

31%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "untoward incident" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe an unexpected and usually negative event. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for written English and is frequently found in news and media, scientific, and wiki sources. While it maintains a neutral to formal register, it's essential to consider the context and avoid overuse in casual settings. Alternatives like ""unfortunate event"" or "adverse occurrence" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Understanding its function and appropriate usage ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfortunate event

Replaces "untoward" with "unfortunate", emphasizing the negative aspect of the event.

unpleasant episode

Highlights the disagreeable nature of the event.

adverse occurrence

Uses more formal language to describe a negative event.

undesirable circumstance

Focuses on the unwelcomed nature of the situation or condition.

unforeseen problem

Highlights the unexpected nature of the issue.

negative situation

Broadens the scope to a "situation" rather than a specific "incident".

regrettable happening

Emphasizes the feeling of remorse associated with the event.

mishap

A simpler term denoting a small accident or misfortune.

setback

Implies a delay or impediment to progress.

calamity

Indicates a disastrous event.

FAQs

How to use "untoward incident" in a sentence?

Use "untoward incident" to describe an unexpected and usually negative event. For example, "The increased security measures are intended to prevent any "unforeseen problem"." or "Thankfully, the demonstration passed without any "unfortunate event"".

What can I say instead of "untoward incident"?

You can use alternatives such as ""unfortunate event"", "adverse occurrence", or "negative situation" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "untoward incident" or "untoward event"?

Both "untoward incident" and ""unfortunate event"" are correct, but "untoward incident" is more common in formal contexts, particularly in reporting or official statements. "Untoward event" is still appropriate and understandable.

What's the difference between "untoward incident" and "accident"?

While an ""unfortunate event"" often implies something negative or problematic, "accident" specifically suggests an unintentional event that causes harm or damage. An "untoward incident" can be an accident, but it can also refer to other kinds of unexpected or unwelcome situations.