A significant windfall

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A significant windfall" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large, unexpected financial gain or benefit, often in contexts related to finance or personal fortune. Example: "Winning the lottery resulted in a significant windfall that changed their lives forever."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It reaped a significant windfall but it is almost certain to fall short of the financial expectations most in the game have.

The Guardian - Sport

Her gifts - nearly £70m so far - have often gone towards human rights projects in the third world, where a small amount can be a significant windfall.

The Guardian - Books

Some of the labour-related investments that were modelled could cause profit margins to rise as much as 0.4% – a significant windfall in an industry where margins typically range between 1% and 2%.

The Guardian

But without a carbon liability to pay, and millions of free permits up their sleeve, these industries could be set for a "significant windfall" when the carbon tax is ditched, RepuTex says.

The Guardian

The campaigns' increased use of tracking technology represents "a significant windfall for online data collectors and ad targeting companies," Andy Kahl, the director of consumer products at Evidon, wrote in the report.

The New York Times

The investment came with a significant windfall for the former basketball star, one of the company's early investors, making his initial 10% investment worth $200 million in just five years.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

While farmers were suffering, he said that if the increased prices persisted, they would deliver "a very significant windfall" for drug barons and insurgents who control thousands of tons of opium stored in Afghanistan and other locations.

The New York Times

Thus, a broker near the threshold for entering a better tier on a certain exchange is incentivized to route all of its orders to that exchange to get a significant rebate windfall.

Columbia University

The anti-family charge is based on a ThinkProgress post by Scott Keyes, who reported that Mandel "stands to reap a significant financial windfall if the government defaults by not raising the debt ceiling, a move he opposed last year and has indicated he would vote against if elected to the Senate".

Huffington Post

During the first phase, when allowances were free, companies received 7percentt more credits than they needed, allowing some to generate significant windfall profits, according to Sandbag, a London-based group that monitors emissions trading.

The Guardian

Mr. Orban has also nationalized some pension funds and levied significant windfall taxes on the retail, energy, telecommunications and financial sectors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a financial turnaround or unexpected profit, use "a significant windfall" to emphasize the magnitude and serendipitous nature of the gain.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant windfall" when describing expected or planned financial outcomes. The phrase implies an element of surprise and unexpected good fortune.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant windfall" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a sudden and substantial gain, often financial, as illustrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

21%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant windfall" is a noun phrase used to describe a substantial and unexpected gain, often financial. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, especially news and media, academia, and science. While not extremely common, its usage is appropriate for emphasizing the magnitude and serendipitous nature of the gain. Consider related phrases like "substantial unexpected gain" or "considerable stroke of luck" for alternative expressions. When using this phrase, ensure the context involves an unexpected and considerable benefit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Substantial unexpected gain

Replaces "windfall" with a more straightforward description of the gain being unexpected and substantial.

Unexpected financial bonus

Focuses specifically on the financial aspect of the windfall, highlighting its nature as a bonus.

Fortuitous advantage

Highlights the beneficial and opportune nature of the windfall.

Large financial blessing

Emphasizes the positive and fortunate nature of the financial gain.

Considerable stroke of luck

Emphasizes the element of chance and good fortune involved.

Significant piece of good fortune

Replaces "windfall" with a more descriptive phrase about good fortune and great amount.

Unexpected boon

Uses a more archaic term for benefit, suggesting a gift or blessing.

Substantial unearned income

Replaces "windfall" with a more literal description that focuses on money received without direct labor.

Major financial coup

Implies a clever or strategic acquisition leading to financial gain.

Lucky break

Highlights the sudden and unexpected nature of the gain, emphasizing luck.

FAQs

How can I use "a significant windfall" in a sentence?

You can use "a significant windfall" to describe an unexpected gain or benefit. For example, "The company experienced "a significant windfall" due to increased demand".

What are some alternatives to "a significant windfall"?

Alternatives include "substantial unexpected gain", "considerable stroke of luck", or "unexpected financial bonus", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "a significant windfall" in a formal context?

Yes, "a significant windfall" is appropriate in formal contexts, particularly when discussing financial matters or unexpected benefits. It is commonly used in news and media, as well as formal reports.

What's the difference between "a significant windfall" and "a windfall"?

While both phrases refer to an unexpected gain, "a significant windfall" emphasizes the magnitude of the gain. Using "significant" heightens the impact and suggests that the gain is substantial.