What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unknowingly
Example
She unknowingly broke the vase while dusting the shelf. [unknowingly: adverb]
Example
He unknowingly offended his boss by making a joke about her outfit. [unknowingly: adverb]
accidentally
Example
I accidentally spilled coffee on my shirt this morning. [accidentally: adverb]
Example
She accidentally sent the email to the wrong person. [accidentally: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Accidentally is more commonly used than unknowingly in everyday language. Accidentally is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while unknowingly is less common and is typically used in more formal writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unknowingly and accidentally?
Unknowingly is typically associated with a more formal tone, while accidentally is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
