by chance, come across, run into
What are the differences the use of "by chance", "come across" and "run into" ?
I heard you use "run into" when you meet someone who you know. And "come across" for someone who is not your friends or acquaintance, or something that you were not looking for at the moment, but you found.
Then, when do you use "by chance" and "by accident" ?
Are there any differences between "by chance" and "come across"?
Thank you.
Search from various English teachers...
Answers · 8
2
"by accident" usually denotes a mistake or something negative. e.g "I spilled a bottle of beer by accident."
"by chance" usually used for something positive. e.g "I found a dollar bill by chance on the road."
You can use "by chance" and "come across" nearly interchangeably when referring to people. e.g "By chance I met Jeff in the mart yesterday" or "I came across Jeff in the mart yesterday".
However it becomes odd when you use "come across" when referring to certain objects, e.g don't use "I come across a dollar on the road".
1
"by chance" or "by accident" can also be used in the context that something completely random, without any intention, and without knowing it, happened.
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