The phrasal verb "chance upon" is primarily used in informal speech and writing, though it can occasionally appear in more formal contexts, especially when literary or descriptive language is employed. It is synonymous with "come across" or "stumble upon," and it is typically used to describe an unexpected or unplanned discovery or encounter, often of something pleasant or interesting. Generally, the subject of "chance upon" is the entity that comes across something, while the object is the thing or person unexpectedly found. For example, one might "chance upon an old photograph while cleaning the attic." This phrasal verb conveys a sense of serendipity and spontaneity, and is often used to add an element of surprise or curiosity to the narrative.
B2
UpperIntermediate
1. To find or meet something or someone unexpectedly.
While hiking in the forest, I chanced upon a beautiful waterfall.
She chanced upon an old friend at the supermarket.
He chanced upon a rare manuscript in the attic of his grandparents' house.
