"On accident"

[Chad D. Nilep]

----------------------------Original message----------------------------
A colleague who is not on the list asked me to forward the following query.

In the western USA, it is not uncommon to hear the phrase "on accident," as
in:

     I took his book on accident. I thought it was mine.

This form seems to replace the phrase "by accident" by analogy to the phrase
"on purpose." Preliminary research indicates the following results.

A. No speakers over the age of 34 report using "on accident." Many of these
speakers regard the form as uneducated and non-standard.

B. Most speakers below the age of 34 use "on accident" and consider "by
accident" formal or old-fashioned.

C. A few speakers from the central US (notably Kansas and Missouri) use both
"on accident" and "by accident." For these speakers, "on accident" is
considered "more accidental."

These data are based primarily on speakers from the western US and western
Canada. One respondent from Massachusets and one respondent from New Zealand
fall within the parameters of other respondents.

Have others noticed the use of "on accident" and "by accident"? Could you
please respond with your geographical location and approximate age. Any
related comments or analysis would also be welcome.

I will post a summary to the list if there is sufficient interest.
--
Chad D. Nilep
American Language and Culture Program
University of Idaho
nilep at turbonet.com