utter coincidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utter coincidence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more events occur at the same time or in the same context without any apparent connection or cause. Example: "It was an utter coincidence that we both chose the same restaurant for dinner on the same night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Like a filmed play about the drug trade in which all of the action is offstage, The Counselor is what happens when a lawyer known only as The Counselor (Michael Fassbender) decides to invest in a particular drug shipment going from Juarez to Chicago, and then – through utter coincidence – the deal goes wrong, and his life spins entirely out of control.

The Guardian - Film

By complete and utter coincidence, this verdict came one month after Kadyrov paid a visit to the Emirates, where he met with half of the royal family.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Pure coincidence".

The New York Times - Science

Complete coincidence.

The New York Times

A pure coincidence?

Independent

But they pulled over, as he'd trusted they would, and he managed to hide his exhausted near-hypothermia long enough to pretend utter astonishment at this coincidence.

The New Yorker

She exudes utter confidence.

The New York Times

Those capable organs, just by coincidence, also help parrots utter greetings in words that even humans can understand.

Science Magazine

But, like Plato's cave, it is an illusion that we are unequipped to see through: "its coincidence and chaos,// feels inevitable, utter" ("The Wounds III").

The Guardian - Books

It is no coincidence that more than one executive uttered the same phrase when describing what, ultimately, is the C.E.O.'s job: "I am a student of human nature".

The New York Times

By coincidence, Dr. Hughes studied under Isidor I. Rabi, the Nobel Prize winner who uttered a memorable line when the muon was a surprise discovery in the 1930's.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utter coincidence" when you want to emphasize the surprising and unlikely nature of events happening simultaneously. It adds a stronger sense of disbelief than simply saying "coincidence".

Common error

While "utter coincidence" is acceptable, it can sometimes sound informal. In formal writing, consider using "sheer coincidence" or "pure coincidence" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utter coincidence" functions as a noun phrase, with "utter" acting as an intensifier modifying the noun "coincidence". Ludwig's examples highlight its use to describe events that are surprisingly and unexpectedly aligned.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "utter coincidence" effectively conveys surprise and emphasis when describing the unexpected alignment of events. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and functions as a noun phrase, with "utter" intensifying the meaning of "coincidence". While synonyms like "sheer coincidence" might suit more formal contexts, "utter coincidence" finds its place in general communication, predominantly in news and media. Keep in mind to use "utter coincidence" when you want to emphasize the surprising and unlikely nature of events happening simultaneously and to consider that "sheer coincidence" may be more appropriate in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sheer coincidence

Emphasizes the purity and lack of intent behind the coincidence.

pure chance

Focuses on the role of randomness in the event.

complete accident

Highlights the unintentional nature of the events aligning.

total happenstance

Stresses the accidental and unplanned nature of the occurrence.

mere fluke

Implies a highly improbable and lucky occurrence.

fortunate accident

Highlights that something good happens thanks to the coincidence.

unforeseen concurrence

Highlights an unexpected and incidental combination of circumstances or features.

random convergence

Stresses that completely independent things come together.

serendipitous meeting

Highlights that the coincidence results in a discovery.

blind luck

Implies that the coincidence is the result of good fortune.

FAQs

What does "utter coincidence" mean?

The phrase "utter coincidence" means a complete and unexpected alignment of events with no apparent cause or connection.

Is it correct to say "utter coincidence"?

Yes, "utter coincidence" is grammatically correct and conveys a sense of surprise and disbelief at the unlikely alignment of events. Ludwig confirms it.

What can I say instead of "utter coincidence"?

You can use alternatives like "sheer coincidence", "pure chance", or "complete accident" depending on the context.

How to use "utter coincidence" in a sentence?

You can use "utter coincidence" to describe a situation where events align unexpectedly, like: "It was an "utter coincidence" that we both chose the same book at the library."