a fortunate occurrence

USAGE SUMMARY

"a fortunate occurrence" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe an event or situation that is beneficial or lucky. For example, "Winning the lottery was a fortunate occurrence for her." Alternative expressions include "a lucky event" and "a happy coincidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was a fortunate occurrence: there are very few organizations dedicated to the translation and promotion of Indonesian literature, and "there's no such thing as a regular or long-term effort by the Indonesian government to promote literature as part of cultural diplomacy," the Indonesian author Lily Yulianti Farid told me.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This fortunate occurrence showed that Chinese students could play an important role in international research while gaining a lot of experience.

Science Magazine

JH: Yeah, it was just one of those things where I just had a series of fortunate occurrences.

Huffington Post

There were other fortunate occurrences, she said, including an early introduction to a son of a billionaire and the matriarch of a prominent New York family — she wouldn't provide names — that led to several generations of sales.

The New York Times

A fortunate coincidence, perhaps.

The Economist

TAL is a fortunate survivor.

The New York Times

"It was a fortunate bounce".

The New York Times - Sports

A fortunate man.

The New York Times - Health

It is a fortunate match for Jones.

The New York Times - Magazine

John Harbison is a fortunate exception.

The New York Times - Arts

"It was a fortunate discovery".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fortunate occurrence" to describe events that are both positive and somewhat unexpected. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid overusing "a fortunate occurrence" in highly formal documents like legal contracts. Opt for more precise or technical language when describing critical events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fortunate occurrence" functions as a noun phrase, where 'fortunate' modifies 'occurrence'. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, describing events that are beneficial or lucky. It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fortunate occurrence" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a beneficial or lucky event. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. While it's suitable for both formal and informal writing, it leans slightly towards a neutral or professional register. Related phrases like "a stroke of luck" or "a happy coincidence" can provide alternative phrasing to prevent repetition. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and formality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a piece of good fortune

Directly refers to the event as an instance of good luck.

a stroke of luck

Emphasizes the role of chance or luck in the event.

a lucky break

Highlights the sudden and unexpected nature of the good fortune.

a happy coincidence

Focuses on the alignment of events that resulted in a positive outcome.

an unexpected advantage

Emphasizes the element of surprise and the benefit gained.

a serendipitous event

Implies that the fortunate occurrence was discovered by chance in a happy way.

an auspicious moment

Suggests that the timing of the event is particularly favorable.

a providential happening

Indicates that the event was guided by divine intervention or fate.

a windfall

Suggests a sudden and substantial gain or benefit.

a blessing in disguise

Highlights that a seemingly negative event turned out to be beneficial.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fortunate occurrence" to describe a positive and often unexpected event. For example, "Winning the grant was "a fortunate occurrence" for our research project."

What are some alternatives to "a fortunate occurrence"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a stroke of luck", "a lucky break", or "a happy coincidence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a fortunate occurrence" formal or informal?

"A fortunate occurrence" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it leans slightly towards formal. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "a fortunate occurrence" and "a happy accident"?

"A fortunate occurrence" generally refers to any positive event that happens by chance. "A happy accident" implies that the positive outcome was unintentional or resulted from a mistake. The terms are similar, but the cause of the outcome is what differentiates them.