What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
accident
Example
The car accident caused a lot of damage to the vehicles involved. [accident: noun]
Example
She accidentally spilled hot coffee on her lap. [accidentally: adverb]
mishap
Example
I had a mishap with my phone and dropped it in the toilet. [mishap: noun]
Example
The chef experienced a mishap in the kitchen and burned the food. [mishap: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Accident is more commonly used than mishap in everyday language. Accident is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while mishap is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between accident and mishap?
Both accident and mishap can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, accident is more commonly used in formal settings, such as legal or insurance documents, while mishap is often used in casual conversations or storytelling.
