as a fortune

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a fortune" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is unclear when it could be used, as it lacks context and does not form a coherent expression. Example: "He received the news as a fortune, but it was actually a burden."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

This one is about as insightful as a fortune cookie.

The Economist

If your mates scare easily, why not go as a fortune teller?

The Guardian

Procter & Gamble officials said they could not reveal the licensee's name, describing it only as a "Fortune 500 company".

The New York Times

And Mark Kudisch ("Thoroughly Modern Millie") and the heavenly Emily Skinner ("Sideshow," "Dinner at Eight") are dead-on as a fortune hunter and his rich American prey.

The New York Times

As a fortune hunter wed to an individual sport, he is surprised at the affinity he has developed over the years for the Ryder Cup.

The New York Times - Sports

But all that patriotism didn't stop him from, as a Fortune article put it, "pandering to China's repressive regime to get his programming into that vast market".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

As well as amassing a fortune for its founders, Friends Reunited sparked a media feeding frenzy.

The Guardian - Tech

Meanwhile, the trucks hauling waste to faraway landfills are damaging the highways and air as well as costing a fortune.

The New York Times

A whore is passing herself off as a fortune-teller.

The New Yorker

Bertil's sister, Queen Ingrid of Denmark, and his sister-in-law, Princess Sibylla, dismissed her as a fortune-hunter.

The Economist

"People said he had an ability to foresee the future and he was even famous as a fortune-teller when he was young".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "as a fortune" in formal writing, as it's not a standard or recognized expression. Instead, opt for clearer and more conventional alternatives like "a large sum of money" or "a great deal of wealth".

Common error

Do not assume "as a fortune" carries an implicit figurative meaning without contextual support. It is often interpreted literally (incorrectly) or causes confusion. If you aim for a simile or metaphor, use phrases such as "as valuable as gold", or "like finding a treasure" for better understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a fortune" lacks a clear grammatical function in standard English. It does not readily serve as a noun, verb, adjective, or adverbial phrase without further context or modification. Ludwig AI confirms the expression doesn't convey a clear meaning.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a fortune" is not recognized as a standard or grammatically correct expression in English. As noted by Ludwig AI, it lacks clear meaning and is unlikely to be well-understood. It's best to avoid this phrase in both formal and informal writing. Instead, opt for more conventional and precise alternatives such as "a great deal of wealth", "a stroke of luck", or simply "a fortune" depending on the intended meaning. Using clearer language will ensure your message is accurately conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a vast fortune

Similar, but with more formal connotation.

a great deal of wealth

Emphasizes the abundance of riches.

a large sum of money

Focuses on the monetary aspect, emphasizing the amount of money involved.

a windfall

Suggests a sudden and unexpected gain of wealth.

a stroke of luck

Highlights the element of chance and good fortune.

a bonanza

Suggests a large and profitable discovery or gain.

a considerable inheritance

Specifically refers to wealth passed down through family.

a king's ransom

Exaggerates the amount of money, implying it's incredibly high.

a treasure

Emphasizes the precious and valuable nature of the wealth.

a pot of gold

Evokes a sense of finding something extremely valuable and rewarding.

FAQs

How can I describe something that costs a lot of money?

Instead of "as a fortune", you could say it costs "a fortune", "a king's ransom", or is "very expensive". Each conveys a high cost in different ways.

What's a more appropriate way to talk about good luck or destiny?

If you're aiming to express luck or destiny, consider phrases like "stroke of luck", "twist of fate", or "act of providence" instead of "as a fortune".

Is "as a fortune" ever grammatically correct?

While "as a fortune" isn't a standard expression, it could theoretically appear in a very specific context where 'fortune' functions as a descriptive noun. However, such instances are rare, and rephrasing is generally recommended for clarity.

What's the best way to describe inheriting a lot of money?

You can describe this as receiving "a large inheritance", "a considerable inheritance", or "a windfall" rather than trying to incorporate "as a fortune".