Cool MateChance vs Coincidence
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Chance
Coincidence
| Chance | Coincidence | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/tʃɑːns/"]/🇺🇸 /["/tʃæns/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/kəʊˈɪnsɪdəns/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kəʊˈɪnsɪdəns/"]/ |
| Meaning | A possibility of something happening. | When two things happen at the same time by chance. |
| Example | She took a chance and applied for the job, despite her doubts. | It was just a coincidence that we ran into each other at the café. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | excellent, good, high, give somebody, be in with, have, by any chance, chance of, chance for, fat chance, have every chance, no chance!, equal, fair, good, element, get, have, deserve, arise, come, come your way, chance at, given the chance, half a chance, let a chance slip, take, chance on, chance with, mere, pure, sheer, leave something to, by chance, due to chance, through chance, a game of chance, take your chances | complete, pure, sheer, series, set, string, happen, by (a) coincidence |
| Antonyms | certainty, inevitability | intention, design |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'change' in spoken English., Using 'chance' as a verb incorrectly., Saying 'a chance to do' when it should be 'chance of doing'. | Confusing 'coincidence' with 'coincidental' — the latter is an adjective., Using 'coincidence' when describing causal relationships instead of chance., Overusing in formal writing; it's better in casual conversation. |
| Usage notes | Use 'chance' when discussing the likelihood of an event. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts but avoid using it in very formal documents. It can often be replaced with 'opportunity' when talking about the possibility for success. | Use 'coincidence' when referring to events that happen together unexpectedly. Avoid using it in formal scientific contexts, where 'correlation' might be more appropriate. |
Frequently asked questions: Chance vs Coincidence
What's the difference between Chance and Coincidence?
Chance: A possibility of something happening. Coincidence: When two things happen at the same time by chance.
Which is more common: Chance and Coincidence?
Chance is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Chance and Coincidence?
Coincidence is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Chance and Coincidence the same CEFR level?
Chance: A2, Coincidence: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Chance and Coincidence?
Chance: noun, Coincidence: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Chance: She took a chance and applied for the job, despite her doubts. Coincidence: It was just a coincidence that we ran into each other at the café.
Can I use Chance and Coincidence interchangeably?
Not always. Chance and Coincidence are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.