a fortunate coincidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fortunate coincidence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected event that has a positive outcome or benefit. Example: "It was a fortunate coincidence that I ran into my old friend at the conference, as we were able to reconnect and share ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

A fortunate coincidence, perhaps.

The Economist

"They sort of happened at the same time," he said, calling the intersection of the two developments a fortunate coincidence.

The New York Times

In a fortunate coincidence, the day of decriminalisation fell on Bob Marley's birthday - he would have been 70 years old on the day had he survived.

Independent

Having attention focused on taxes and fiscal policy while the young people are working to encourage voter participation is a fortunate coincidence, she said.

The New York Times

It was a fortunate coincidence that a patrol had been near the school when the alarm was raised, otherwise more would have died, he said.

The Guardian

That it has chronicled the publishing history of Britain, the US and, to a lesser extent, Europe is a fortunate coincidence.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Ashton said: "It is a remarkably fortunate coincidence for me to be returning to help out my old club Fylde as Jason arrives to play.

The Guardian - Sport

(In a more fortunate coincidence of timing, one Times reporter, John Eligon, had just run the marathon himself and went back out to the scene. His article, written with Michael Cooper, led the Tuesday print edition).

The New York Times

A fortunate happenstance, indeed.

Forbes

Thanks to a rather too fortunate coincidence, she gets to know some other prostitutes.

The Guardian - Books

A fateful and fortunate coincidence of timing for Janow occurred in 2007-2008: thentirere global pet food industry went into chaos mode.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fortunate coincidence" to describe situations where an unexpected event leads to a positive or beneficial outcome. This phrasing often adds a touch of optimism or surprise to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a fortunate coincidence" when a clear causal relationship exists. This phrase is best reserved for events that appear to be accidentally beneficial rather than directly caused by a specific action or decision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fortunate coincidence" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a subject complement or an appositive. It serves to describe or rename a noun, indicating that an event or situation is both coincidental and beneficial. Ludwig AI shows many instances of its usage in describing positive outcomes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a fortunate coincidence" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe an unexpected event that leads to a positive outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, predominantly in news and media, science, and encyclopedias. While the phrase has a neutral register, it is essential to use it accurately, reserving it for situations where the benefit is genuinely coincidental rather than the result of direct action. Alternatives such as "a lucky break" or "a happy accident" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively incorporate "a fortunate coincidence" into their work, enhancing clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lucky break

This alternative focuses more on the element of luck and sudden unexpected advantage.

a happy accident

This alternative emphasizes the unplanned and unintentional nature of the positive event.

a stroke of luck

This phrase indicates a sudden and significant instance of good fortune.

a serendipitous event

This alternative suggests a chance occurrence that leads to a desirable discovery or outcome.

a providential occurrence

This phrase implies that the event was guided or arranged by a higher power.

a timely intersection

This highlights the opportune alignment of events or circumstances.

a beneficial convergence

This emphasizes how multiple factors came together to create a positive result.

a favorable confluence

This suggests that multiple elements merged harmoniously to produce a positive outcome.

a welcome happenstance

This alternative underlines that the event was unplanned and well-received.

a blessing in disguise

This implies that an initially negative event ultimately led to a positive result.

FAQs

How can I use "a fortunate coincidence" in a sentence?

You can use "a fortunate coincidence" to describe an event or situation that unexpectedly turns out well. For instance, "It was "a fortunate coincidence" that the rain stopped just as the outdoor concert was about to begin".

What's a more formal alternative to "a fortunate coincidence"?

A more formal alternative could be "a serendipitous occurrence" or "a providential event". These phrases carry a similar meaning but are suitable for more formal contexts.

Is there a difference between "a fortunate coincidence" and "a lucky break"?

"A fortunate coincidence" implies that two or more things happened together in a beneficial way, while "a lucky break" suggests a sudden, unexpected instance of good luck or opportunity. The first one emphasizes the intersection of events whereas the second one focuses on just one event.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a fortunate coincidence"?

It's best to avoid using "a fortunate coincidence" when the positive outcome was deliberately planned or directly caused by someone's actions. This phrase is more fitting for situations where the beneficial result was unexpected or unplanned. In this case you should say "intentional results".