Which one is correct?
"It couldn't be a coincidence" or "It can be a coincidence"?

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It couldn't be a coincidence

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to suggest that something is not a coincidence.

This phrase is used to express the belief that a situation or event is not a coincidence.

Examples:

  • It couldn't be a coincidence that they both have the same birthday.
  • It couldn't be a coincidence that they always show up at the same time.

Alternatives:

  • It must be intentional
  • It is definitely not a coincidence
  • It is clear that it's not a coincidence

It can be a coincidence

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to suggest that something might be a coincidence.

This phrase is used to express the possibility that a situation or event is a coincidence.

Examples:

  • It can be a coincidence that we both wore the same color today.
  • It can be a coincidence that we bumped into each other at the store.

Alternatives:

  • It might be a coincidence
  • It could be a coincidence
  • It is possible that it's a coincidence
Both phrases are correct, but they convey opposite meanings. 'It can be a coincidence' suggests that something might be a coincidence, while 'it couldn't be a coincidence' implies that something is not a coincidence. The choice between the two depends on the intended meaning.

Last Updated: March 24, 2024

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