a fortuitous move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fortuitous move" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or decision that happens by chance and results in a positive outcome. Example: "The team's decision to pivot their strategy turned out to be a fortuitous move, leading to unexpected success in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It was a fortuitous move that would alter the course of his life and career.

The Guardian - Arts

It was a fortuitous move.

Science Magazine

It was a fortuitous move; she fell in love with coding.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Now, on as grand a sports stage as there is, Valentine has made the right moves and the fortuitous moves.

The New York Times - Sports

After six months in Chicago she moved to Hollywood, where a fortuitous encounter with the producer Cecil B. DeMille led to work as a movie extra and eventually to a job as a screenwriter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Every time they moved from a turn, the pack in front would peel away, providing a fortuitous corridor.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a fortuitous development.

The New York Times

"It's a fortuitous confluence".

The New York Times - Travel

Grimmett snicked a fortuitous four off Bowes.

The Guardian - Sport

Then a fortuitous series of events converged.

The New York Times

It proved to be a fortuitous decision.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fortuitous move" to describe a decision or action that, while perhaps not intentionally planned, leads to a positive and unexpected outcome. It suggests an element of luck or good fortune was involved.

Common error

Avoid using "a fortuitous move" to describe situations where the positive outcome was entirely the result of careful planning and skill. The phrase implies an element of chance or serendipity, so it's inappropriate when deliberate strategy is the sole factor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fortuitous move" functions as a noun phrase, where "fortuitous" modifies the noun "move". It describes a specific action or decision (the move) as having a lucky or beneficial quality. Ludwig highlights that it describes an action that results in a positive outcome by chance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science & Research

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fortuitous move" is a noun phrase used to describe an action or decision that unexpectedly leads to a positive outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and highlights its use in expressing the role of chance or good luck. While grammatically sound, its frequency is rare. It finds common ground across diverse contexts, spanning from neutral news and media reporting to scientific explorations. When writing, ensure that the phrase accurately reflects a situation where the positive result was not entirely planned, but rather benefited from an element of chance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lucky break

Focuses more on luck than planning.

a stroke of luck

Highlights the sudden and unexpected nature of the good fortune.

a fortunate step

Emphasizes the positive outcome of the step taken.

an auspicious action

Implies a favorable sign or omen associated with the action.

a providential decision

Suggests divine intervention or guidance in the decision.

a serendipitous action

Highlights the accidental discovery of something beneficial.

a happy accident

Emphasizes the unplanned nature of the positive outcome.

a timely intervention

Highlights the importance of the timing of the move.

a well-timed action

Focuses on the precise moment the action was performed.

an unexpected advantage

Highlights the unforeseen benefit gained.

FAQs

How can I use "a fortuitous move" in a sentence?

Use "a fortuitous move" to describe an action that unexpectedly led to a positive outcome. For example: "Switching to remote work proved to be "a fortuitous move" for the company, boosting productivity and employee satisfaction."

What's a good alternative to "a fortuitous move"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a lucky break", "a stroke of luck", or "an unexpected advantage" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it more appropriate to say "fortuitous move" or "fortunate move"?

While both terms suggest a positive outcome, "fortuitous" implies a greater element of chance or accident, whereas "fortunate" suggests inherent luck or favorable circumstances. Use ""a fortuitous move"" when the good outcome was unexpected.

Can "a fortuitous move" apply to negative situations?

No, ""a fortuitous move"" is generally used to describe positive or beneficial outcomes that arise unexpectedly. If the outcome is negative, another descriptor would be more appropriate.