a fortunate discovery

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fortunate discovery" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a discovery that has positive implications or outcomes. Example: "The archaeologists were thrilled by a fortunate discovery that shed light on the ancient civilization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"It was a fortunate discovery".

The New York Times

Gay Paree Note: A young couple who, with their two children aged nine and seven, are in Paris, report that finding amusement for the youngsters was quite a problem until they made a fortunate discovery.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, October 28, 1950 P. 21 Gay Paree Note: A young couple who, with their two children aged nine and seven, are in Paris, report that finding amusement for the youngsters was quite a problem until they made a fortunate discovery.

The New Yorker

By James Guy and Stanley Edgar Hyman The New Yorker, October 28, 1950 P. 21 Gay Paree Note: A young couple who, with their two children aged nine and seven, are in Paris, report that finding amusement for the youngsters was quite a problem until they made a fortunate discovery.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The term, coined by the British aristocrat Horace Walpole in a 1754 letter, long referred to a fortunate accidental discovery.

The New York Times

'This fortunate discovery, as well as the discovery of relevant documents in other archives, has allowed us to re-examine Neptune's discovery.' And their conclusions?

The Guardian

Mathematician James White made the fortunate discovery that the same abstract pure mathematics that he used in his thesis unlocks some of the secrets of the geometry of circular DNA.

Science Magazine

We know this fiction-is-stranger-than-truth history because of the most fortunate discovery of Lincoln's long-lost journal, which was undoubtedly found in The Priory of Sion mailbox next to videos of the Loch Ness monster and Sasquatch.

Huffington Post

The second pathway is serendipity i.e., making fortunate discoveries by chance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Serendipity is the making of fortunate discoveries by accident, and is one of the cornerstones of scientific progress.

International Journal of Human-Computer Studies

This is a fortunate happenstance and highlights the utility of the method for discovery of enzymes that informatics would not have picked up by homology searching.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a discovery, consider if "a fortunate discovery" accurately reflects the impact. If the discovery was more intentional or skill-based, other phrases may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "a fortunate discovery" excessively in formal reports where a more neutral or technical term like "significant finding" or "key result" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fortunate discovery" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "fortunate" modifies the noun "discovery". It describes a specific type of discovery, emphasizing its positive and beneficial nature. Ludwig examples highlight this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fortunate discovery" is a noun phrase used to describe a finding that is both positive and somewhat unexpected. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is valid and usable in written English. While it's not the most common phrase, it appears in diverse sources, primarily in News & Media and Science. Alternative phrases include "a lucky find" and "a serendipitous discovery". When using this phrase, consider the context and whether the emphasis on luck and positive outcomes is appropriate for your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lucky find

Focuses on the element of luck in the discovery.

a serendipitous discovery

Highlights the accidental and beneficial nature of the discovery.

a stroke of luck

Emphasizes the role of chance in the positive outcome.

an unexpected boon

Stresses the unexpected and beneficial nature of the discovery.

a happy accident

Highlights the accidental and positive nature of the event.

a providential find

Suggests the discovery was guided by fate or divine intervention.

a fortuitous event

Focuses on the chance and positive nature of the event.

a beneficial discovery

Directly states the positive benefits of the discovery.

a break

A shorter, more casual way of saying something fortunate happened.

a godsend

Implies the discovery was a welcome and timely benefit.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fortunate discovery" to describe a finding that has positive implications or outcomes. For example: "The researcher's breakthrough was "a fortunate discovery" that revolutionized the field."

What are some alternatives to "a fortunate discovery"?

You can use alternatives like "a lucky find", "a serendipitous discovery", or "a stroke of luck", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a fortunate discovery" a formal or informal phrase?

"A fortunate discovery" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. In highly technical or scientific writing, a more neutral term may be preferable.

What's the difference between "a fortunate discovery" and "a significant finding"?

"A fortunate discovery" emphasizes the positive or beneficial aspect of the discovery, while "a significant finding" focuses on its importance or impact. Use "a fortunate discovery" when you want to highlight the positive implications of the finding.