“Meet by chance”
We talk about ‘Chance’ when there is the possibility of something happening or “the occurrence of events in absence of any obvious intention or cause.”
Synonyms for ‘chance’ are: random, casual, haphazard…these adjectives apply to something determined by accident.
Chance stresses lack of premeditation…for example, ”a chance meeting with a friend”
We can ask “Is there any chance the project will be completed by Friday?” (chance= possibility).
So, “chance” is:
- A favourable set of circumstances; an opportunity: “a chance to escape”.
- A risk or hazard: “I took a chance that the ice would hold me.”; “Is there any chance of rain?”.
- Something caused by chance is unexpected: “a chance encounter”; “they met by chance on a plane”
- A chance result: “Chance will determine the outcome”
- To take the risk or hazard of: “I’m willing to chance it”; “Chances are good that you will win”.
Practice Questions
- Do you take chances with the weather?
- How far do you take chances with your plans?
- Do you think you can meet people by chance?
“Bump into” …this is a phrasal verb;
- this means ‘to collide violently with an obstacle’, for example “I bumped into the lamp post”.
- A second meaning is metaphorical, for example when you meet someone by chance encounter or unexpectedly, you can say “I often bump into him at the supermarket”.
Practice Questions:
- Do you ever bump into friends when you are in town?
- Have you ever bumped into a hard object while walking down the street?
“Come Across”…this is a phrasal verb
There are several meanings for this phrasal verb, the first is similar to ‘chance’ and ‘bump into’:
- To meet someone by chance: “I came across my old college roommate in town today”
- To give an impression: “He comes across as a very sincere individual”; “I came across the wrong way”
- to visit informally
- To pay over money that is required: “He came across with the cheque”.
Practice Questions:
- Do you ever wonder (ask yourself) “How do I come across?” in interviews or meetings?
- Have you recently come across an old friend?
Who write this post?
Sarah came up with this post & I think she did such a great and thorough job! She is our resident stats expert and researcher. Great lady & kindred spirit!
Lem…xo!