A stroke of luck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A stroke of luck" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected and fortunate event or occurrence that brings about a positive outcome. Example: "Winning the lottery was truly a stroke of luck for her, changing her life overnight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A stroke of luck changed the mood.

The Guardian - Sport

A stroke of luck: they had a room at a terrific price, $50.

The New York Times - Travel

A stroke of luck helped too as Welsh took the lead while down to 14 men.

Independent

It was a stroke of luck.

The New York Times

What a stroke of luck.

The Guardian - Music

We've had a stroke of luck today".

The Guardian - Sport

That was a stroke of luck".

The Guardian - Books

Fortunately, the team had a stroke of luck.

The Guardian

But after much searching he had a stroke of luck.

The Guardian

For Rajoy has enjoyed a stroke of luck.

The Guardian

"That rocket was a stroke of luck," Kobi said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "A stroke of luck" to describe situations where the positive outcome was largely due to chance rather than deliberate effort or planning.

Common error

Avoid using "A stroke of luck" when success is primarily the result of hard work, skill, or strategic planning; instead, acknowledge the effort and expertise involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "A stroke of luck" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies a specific instance of good fortune that occurs unexpectedly. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is widely used and understood in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "A stroke of luck" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound phrase used to describe an instance of unexpected good fortune. According to Ludwig, the expression is correct and usable in written English. It's commonly found in news articles, encyclopedias, and various other sources. Its versatility makes it appropriate for many contexts, with primary function of the phrase as to denote a situation where chance plays a significant role in a positive outcome. Remember to use it accurately, acknowledging the role of chance rather than misattributing success. Consider alternatives like "a lucky break" or "a happy coincidence" for variety. The examples Ludwig provides illustrate the real-world usage of this common phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A lucky break

Emphasizes the sudden and advantageous nature of the event.

A fortunate turn of events

Highlights the positive change brought about by the event.

A piece of good fortune

Directly states the positive nature of the event.

A serendipitous occurrence

Focuses on the accidental and beneficial nature of the event.

A twist of fate

Suggests that destiny played a role in the fortunate event.

A happy coincidence

Highlights the chance and positive alignment of circumstances.

An unexpected boon

Highlights the unforeseen and beneficial nature of the event.

A windfall

Implies a sudden and unexpected gain or benefit.

A godsend

Implies the event was a much-needed and welcome blessing.

A fluke

Suggests the event was a result of chance rather than skill or planning.

FAQs

How can I use "A stroke of luck" in a sentence?

"A stroke of luck" is used to describe an unexpected event that leads to a positive outcome. For example: "Finding that rare book at the flea market was "a stroke of luck"."

What are some alternatives to saying "A stroke of luck"?

You can use alternatives like "a lucky break", "a fortunate turn of events", or "a happy coincidence" to express a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "stroke of luck" or "strike of luck"?

The correct idiom is "stroke of luck". "Strike of luck" is not a recognized or commonly used phrase.

How does "A stroke of luck" differ from "good fortune"?

"A stroke of luck" often implies a specific, unexpected event, while "good fortune" is a more general term for overall favorable circumstances. While both phrases refer to a positive experience, "A stroke of luck" suggests a singular, often surprising, event, and "good fortune" is an overall better situation.