Differences between chance upon and hit upon
Chance upon and hit upon are both phrasal verbs that mean to find or discover something unexpectedly. However, chance upon implies a more accidental or coincidental discovery, while hit upon suggests a more intentional or deliberate discovery.
Meanings and Definitions: chance upon vs hit upon
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Chance upon
- 1Find something by accident.
I CHANCED UPON a very rare book in car boot sale and bought it for 65p.
Hit upon
- 1Have an idea.
It took us ages to HIT UPON a solution.
- 2Try to attract someone sexually.
He tried to HIT UPON her at the pub.
Usage Examples: chance upon, hit upon in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
chance upon
Example
While walking in the woods, I chanced upon a beautiful hidden waterfall.
Example
She often chances upon interesting items at the flea market.
hit upon
Example
She hit upon a great idea for her new business.
Example
He hits upon a solution to the problem after hours of brainstorming.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Chance upon
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Hit upon
To discover or uncover something that was previously hidden or unknown.
Example
The archaeologists unearthed a treasure trove of ancient artifacts.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “hit”
Phrasal Verbs with “upon”
Differences in chance upon vs hit upon: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: chance upon or hit upon?
Both chance upon and hit upon are commonly used in everyday conversation, but chance upon is slightly more common in informal settings.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of chance upon and hit upon
Neither chance upon nor hit upon are particularly formal phrases, but hit upon may be slightly more formal due to its connotation of intentionality.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of chance upon and hit upon
The tone of chance upon and hit upon can differ based on context. Chance upon often carries a sense of surprise or excitement, while hit upon can imply a sense of accomplishment or cleverness.
