a true fortune

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a true fortune" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant amount of wealth or a fortunate situation that is genuine or substantial. Example: "Winning the lottery was a true fortune that changed her life forever."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

With 2.6% of XXI shares, worth some $50 million now, Schiller will need to orchestrate big growth to make a true fortune (investing legend Leon Cooperman owns 3.8% and BlackRock 13%).

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In his liner notes to "The Times They Are A-Changin' " (1964), Mr. Dylan wrote, "ah but Sue/she knows me well/perhaps too well/an is above all/the true fortune teller of my soul".

The New York Times - Arts

In extra-time the true fortune of Seattle's progression to this stage of the post-season became apparent, with Stefan Frei single-handedly (sometimes double-handedly) taking the game to a shootout – where the Sounders' luck finally ran dry.

The Guardian - Sport

After raising the roof at FrightFest, the Irish monster-pic Grabbers (2012, Sony, 15) enjoyed only a fleeting UK cinema outing as a prelude to the DVD release on which its true fortunes depend.

The Guardian - Film

So what to make of last Monday, when western Pennsylvania was surprised by a fireball in the sky at 6 18 p.m. E.D.T.? True, fortunes vanished, nations clashed and the Yankees appeared to be emerging from their slump, but nothing happened that the peoples of the world might agree was all that lamentable or miraculous.

The New York Times

True, fortunes have improved for G.M. and its rivals.

The New York Times

This legend is – to Eimear's and Galley Beggar's abundant good fortune – a true one.

The Guardian - Books

Even if the recipient isn't a true believer in the fortune-telling ability of the 78-card deck, its iconic symbolism is worth studying to learn about the ideas people have historically considered important.

Vice

The portrayal reminds me of a line from Stendhal, to the effect that a banker who makes a fortune is a true philosopher, because he sees clearly that which is. From the start, Zuckerberg, as suggested by the film, wasn't just a prodigy of computer coding but, more important, of applications — specifically, of ones that recognized and extended the possibilities of the Internet as a… social network.

The New Yorker

Its fortunes as a true likeness of the Bard have been mixed ever since.

The Guardian

It was a true fashionista meal: it cost a fortune, no one ate, and the maître d'hôtel kept wondering, "Is there anything wrong?" Rudnick's plays include the Obie Award-winning "Jeffrey" and "I Hate Hamlet," and he wrote the screenplays for "Addams Family Values" and "In and Out".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a true fortune" to emphasize the genuineness and substantial nature of a wealth or fortunate event. It adds a layer of sincerity to the description.

Common error

Avoid using "a true fortune" in overly casual or informal settings, as it can sound somewhat formal or exaggerated. Simpler terms like "a lot of money" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a true fortune" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "true" acts as an adjective modifying "fortune". The adjective emphasizes the authenticity and substantial nature of the fortune. Ludwig shows that this phrase appears in contexts discussing financial success and unexpected wealth.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a true fortune" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a significant and genuine amount of wealth. Ludwig AI indicates that it functions as a noun phrase, with "true" serving to emphasize the authenticity of the fortune. While grammatically sound, its usage is relatively rare, predominantly appearing in news and media contexts. Alternative phrases, such as ""a genuine windfall"" or "a real blessing", can provide similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis. When using "a true fortune", consider the context and audience to ensure the level of formality is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a genuine windfall

Emphasizes the unexpected and beneficial nature of the fortune.

a real blessing

Highlights the positive and fortunate aspect of the situation.

a significant inheritance

Specifically refers to a fortune received as an inheritance.

a considerable sum

Focuses on the large amount of money involved.

a substantial estate

Refers to the total value of someone's assets, including property and money.

a vast wealth

Emphasizes the immensity of the fortune.

a large fortune

A more common and less emphatic way of expressing the same idea.

a princely sum

Suggests a very large and impressive amount of money.

a treasure trove

Implies a collection of valuable items or money.

a pot of gold

A more figurative way of referring to a large amount of money.

FAQs

How can I use "a true fortune" in a sentence?

You can use "a true fortune" to describe a large sum of money or an unexpected windfall. For instance, "Winning the lottery provided her with "a genuine windfall"." or "He amassed "a vast wealth" through shrewd investments and hard work.

What are some alternatives to "a true fortune"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "a real blessing", "a substantial estate", or "a significant inheritance" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always appropriate to use "a true fortune"?

While grammatically correct, "a true fortune" may sound overly dramatic in some casual conversations. Consider the formality of the context and audience when choosing this phrase.

What's the difference between "a large fortune" and "a true fortune"?

While both phrases refer to a significant amount of wealth, "a true fortune" emphasizes the genuineness and possibly the unexpected nature of the wealth, whereas "a large fortune" simply focuses on the quantity.