What does the phrasal verb “chance upon” mean?

What are the definitions of “chance upon”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Find something by accident.

  I CHANCED UPON a very rare book in car boot sale and bought it for 65p.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “chance upon”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb chance upon is to find or discover something by accident or unexpectedly. It often refers to a pleasant or fortunate discovery.

What are the different verb forms of “chance upon”?

Root Verb	chance upon
Third Person Singular Present	chances upon
Present Participle	chancing upon
Simple Past	chanced upon
Past Participle	chanced 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.

Example

He is always chancing upon great deals at the store.

Example

Yesterday, they chanced upon a rare antique at the garage sale.

Example

The hidden treasure was chanced upon by a group of hikers.

What kind of phrasal verb is “chance upon”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“chance upon” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

I chanced upon an old friend at the coffee shop.

Example

She chanced upon a valuable painting at the thrift store.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“chance upon” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

I chanced upon an old friend at the coffee shop.

Example

She chanced upon a valuable painting at the thrift store.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “chance upon”?

Chance upon a discovery

Making an unexpected or accidental discovery, often leading to new knowledge or understanding.

Example

The scientist chanced upon a groundbreaking discovery while conducting her research.

Chance upon a meeting

Encountering someone unexpectedly or by accident, often leading to a pleasant or surprising interaction.

Example

I chanced upon an old classmate while traveling abroad.

Chance upon a find

Discovering something valuable or interesting by accident, often in the context of shopping or exploring.

Example

She chanced upon a rare coin at the antique shop.

Good things to know

Does “chance upon” have an informal or formal tone?

Chance upon is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal writing or presentations.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “chance upon”?

Synonyms

• discover
• find
• encounter
• unearth
• stumble upon
• come across
• happen upon
• run into

Antonyms

• miss
• overlook
• ignore
• avoid
• bypass
• neglect
• lose