a fortunate event

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fortunate event" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an occurrence that is considered lucky or beneficial. Example: "Winning the lottery was truly a fortunate event for her family, changing their lives forever."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But now Snickettians are anticipating a fortunate event: the New York premiere of "The Composer Is Dead," by Lemony Snicket and Nathaniel Stookey, which the Little Orchestra Society will perform on Saturday in "Musical Mysteries".

The New York Times

Large majorities of both groups see the peaceful revolution an eastern achievement that led to unification as a fortunate event and think it has been a success, according to a poll by the Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation, which is linked to the CDU.Adenauer, the first post-war chancellor, thought that "east of the Elbe the Asian steppes begin".

The Economist

In retrospect, he described this accident as "a fortunate event" and cited it as a factor in making him more versatile on the court.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

If you wanted some money for your own stimulus plan, and you wanted to keep your customer on life support by devaluing the dollar, you simply could not ask for a more fortunate event.

Forbes

The fall of the Wall is such a marvelous event precisely because an astounding number of factors had to combine in an unexpected way in order to produce such a fortunate outcome.

Forbes

"In the end it was quite simply a stroke of luck, a series of fortunate events that meant a way forward could be found".

BBC

And in what was perhaps the only fortunate event of the day, the spring on the second clip failed.

The New York Times

A series of fortunate events brought me to a floor somewhere in the mid-twenties of London's most acuminate skyscraper, the 72-storey, 306-metre Shard.

The Guardian

Yet by every historic and contemporary measure known to man, the residents of the United Kingdom in 2014 have the unique good fortune to be living at a time of unequalled prosperity and security in a country which, by a series of fortunate events, has turned out to be the most tolerant, diverse, fair and gentle place yet devised by man.

The Guardian

Melanie Sanford: The Interview by Jim Austin 24 November 2006 A series of fortunate events led this University of Michigan chemist to contribute to work that won a Nobel Prize.

Science Magazine

A series of fortunate events followed.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where multiple positive factors aligned unexpectedly, consider using "a fortunate series of events" to emphasize the convergence of beneficial circumstances.

Common error

While appropriate in many situations, avoid using "a fortunate event" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise or nuanced language depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fortunate event" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific instance or occurrence that is considered favorable or lucky. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s a grammatically correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fortunate event" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a positive or lucky occurrence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for general use and appears in a variety of sources, with a higher frequency in news and media. While not overly formal, it’s important to consider the context and avoid overuse in highly formal writing, where more precise alternatives might be preferred. The available examples highlight its usage in describing various types of positive outcomes, from personal achievements to historical turning points.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lucky break

Focuses on the element of luck and unexpected good fortune.

a stroke of luck

Emphasizes the sudden and serendipitous nature of the favorable outcome.

a happy coincidence

Highlights the accidental and pleasing concurrence of events.

a beneficial occurrence

Focuses on the positive and advantageous result of the event.

a propitious circumstance

Emphasizes the favorable and opportune nature of the situation.

a windfall

Suggests an unexpected and substantial gain or benefit.

a piece of good fortune

Highlights the overall positive and lucky nature of the experience.

a serendipitous occasion

Emphasizes the accidental discovery and positive outcome of the event.

a providential happening

Implies that the event was guided or influenced by a higher power.

a blessed incident

Suggests a sense of divine favor or spiritual blessing associated with the event.

FAQs

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

"A fortunate event" is used to describe a positive occurrence or stroke of luck. For example, "Winning the scholarship was "a fortunate event" that allowed her to pursue her dreams."

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

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "a beneficial occurrence", "a propitious circumstance", or "a serendipitous occasion" to convey a similar meaning with a higher degree of formality.

Is it always appropriate to use "a fortunate event" to describe a positive outcome?

While generally acceptable, consider the context. If the outcome resulted from skill or effort, it might be more accurate to describe it as "a successful endeavor" rather than solely attributing it to luck or fortune.

What is the difference between "a fortunate event" and "a happy accident"?

"A fortunate event" generally describes any beneficial occurrence, whereas ""a happy accident"" implies that the positive outcome was unintended or unexpected. The nuance lies in whether the event was planned or purely coincidental.