accident
Use the word “accident” when you or another person makes a mistake:
- I’m sorry. That was an accident.
- Maria knocked the glass over by accident.
- He didn’t mean to do it. It was an accident.
- The company’s negligence resulted in an accident.
The word “accident” is often used when one or more cars crash:
- Joseph got into an accident with another driver.
- There was a major accident on the highway this morning.
- To avoid accidents, drivers need to slow down.
- It’s necessary to have automobile insurance in case you get into an accident.
The word “accidental” is an adjective:
- I didn’t mean to do that. It was accidental.
- Accidental deaths in the U.S. are declining as people become more safety conscious.
- The shooting was not intentional. It was accidental. (The word “intentional” is the opposite adjective.)
The word “accidentally” is an adverb:
- The man accidentally knocked over a display with his shopping cart.
- We accidentally made a wrong turn and got lost.
- Thinking it was his, Kevin accidentally took someone else’s coat from the coat rack.
He had an accident while skiiing.