1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To find something by pure accident when not looking for it.
"The researchers chanced upon a previously unknown cave system during a routine survey."
inseparable
chance upon
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
To find or encounter something or someone entirely by accident.
In plain English
To find something or meet someone without planning to — it just happens.
What does "chance upon" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To meet someone unexpectedly.
"She chanced upon her old professor at the farmers' market on Saturday morning."
“
I chanced upon this letter while searching through the archives.
— Common formulation in historical and academic writing; widely attested in published memoirs and scholarship.
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To arrive upon something purely by chance — without any intention or plan.
Actually means
To find something or meet someone without planning to — it just happens.
Usage tip
Slightly literary or formal. More common in written narrative contexts. 'Upon' adds a slightly more elevated tone compared to 'on'. Used with both objects (books, places) and people. Common in literature and journalism.
Words that pair with "chance upon"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
document clue answer person treasure discovery evidence
How to conjugate "chance upon"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
chance upon
I/you/we/they
3rd person
chances upon
he/she/it
Past simple
chanced upon
yesterday
Past participle
chanced upon
have + pp
-ing form
chancing upon
continuous
Hear "chance upon" in the wild
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Other ways to say "chance upon"
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