Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[shuhuang]

Hi, teachers

I came across the following:At first, the man didn't want to talk, but, by chance, he told her his story.

Is the prase "by chance" used correctly here? If so, what does it mean here?


Thanks.

[Eric Thompson]

Dear shuhuang: No, I don't think 'by chance' is being used correctly there. 'By chance' means 'with no plan', 'by accident'. At first the man didn't want to talk, but later he talked. We don't know the reason why he changed his mind, we weren't told. We cannot infer that it was by 'chance'; maybe it was, probably it wasn't. All we know was that 'eventually', 'ultimately', 'in the end' he told her his story. ok? -- Eric

[shuhuang]

Thanks a lot. It sure helps.