Accident or Incident?

Accident or incident?

Do you know the difference between 'accident' and 'incident'? Read on to test your knowledge!

An 'accident' is a sudden, unplanned event that often results in harm or damage. We use it to talk about a negative event, like a car crash.

- "Four people were injured in the accident."

- "I'm sorry the football broke the glass door. It was an accident and we will pay for the repairs."

We also use 'by accident' to describe an event that happens by chance.

- "We met at the library by accident."

- "I ran into my friend by accident on my way to work this morning. It was a lovely surprise!"

Accidents are always unintentional.

The word 'incident' can refer to any event that has taken place, including a planned event. An incident is usually a negative event.

- "I haven't invited Sarah to dinner since that incident last summer. She argued with everyone at the table!"

- "There was an incident over the weekend and the couple are no longer talking to each other."

An 'incident' is usually a negative event. An example of an incident is a disagreement. We might use the word 'incident' to avoid talking about an event, maybe because we are unsure what happened.

- "Police are investigating an incident that occurred outside Parliament House."