What is the difference between “in an accident” and “on accident”?

Ask Scott Dreyer: This question came to us from one of our online classes, from Lan-fu, in Hsinchu, Taiwan.

Q. What is the difference between “in an accident” and “on accident”?
A. Great question! It’s actually quite simple.

“In an accident” refers to damage caused by an unfortunate accident, crash, or wreck. It often refers to a car accident, but it does not have to be limited to that. It can also refer to a bad fall, injury, etc.The Chinese might best be: 發生車禍 or 事故發生了.
Examples:
1. She was in an accident years ago and has had back troubles ever since.
2. One of my former students, Hannah, posted on Facebook that she was in an accident and her seat belt saved her life. (true story, folks, true story)
3. Most hunters now wear blaze orange clothing so they will not be hurt in an accident. (see #6 below)

Note: “Have an accident” can also mean a car crash, but it can also refer to someone, usually a small child, who goes to the bathroom in his or her pants. You have to look at the sentence context.

• Our neighbor had an accident on the way home from work on the icy roads, but his car didn’t have much damage.
• The kindergartner had to change his pants because he had an accident on the playground.

In contrast, “on accident” (or often “by accident”) refers to something done unintentionally or inadvertently. You can also say, “not on purpose.” The Chinese might best be: 不是故意的.

Examples:

4. Billy spilled the milk on accident; after all, he is only five years old.
5. Family expert Dr. James Dobson often says, “never punish a child for something he or she does on accident, because we all make mistakes. Only punish for willful acts of disobedience or rebellion.”
6. Most hunters now wear blaze orange clothing so they will not be shot by accident. (see #3 above)
 

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