Cool MateCoincidence vs Fluke
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Coincidence
Top 2,000 (common)B2noun
Fluke
Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Most common: Coincidence
| Coincidence | Fluke | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kəʊˈɪnsɪdəns/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kəʊˈɪnsɪdəns/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //fluːk//🇺🇸 //fluːk// |
| Meaning | When two things happen at the same time by chance. | A lucky chance or accident. |
| Example | It was just a coincidence that we ran into each other at the café. | Winning the lottery was just a complete fluke. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | complete, pure, sheer, series, set, string, happen, by (a) coincidence | lucky fluke, total fluke, fluke event |
| Antonyms | intention, design | - |
| Common mistakes | 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. | Confusing with 'flukes' in anatomy., Using as a verb instead of a noun., Mixing up with 'lucky' or 'chance' in contexts. |
| Usage notes | Use 'coincidence' when referring to events that happen together unexpectedly. Avoid using it in formal scientific contexts, where 'correlation' might be more appropriate. | Often used informally to describe unexpected good fortune. Not suitable for formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Coincidence vs Fluke
What's the difference between Coincidence and Fluke?
Coincidence: When two things happen at the same time by chance. Fluke: A lucky chance or accident.
Which is more common: Coincidence and Fluke?
Coincidence is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Coincidence: It was just a coincidence that we ran into each other at the café. Fluke: Winning the lottery was just a complete fluke.
Can I use Coincidence and Fluke interchangeably?
Not always. Coincidence and Fluke 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.