change of fortune

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "change of fortune" is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically refers to a sudden or significant shift in one's circumstances or situation. Example: "The main character in the novel experienced a dramatic change of fortune when she unexpectedly inherited a large fortune from a distant relative."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Is this a change of fortune for the Mets?

The New York Times

On dropped chances alone he deserved a change of fortune.

The Guardian - Sport

That would spell a remarkable change of fortune, not to speak of public attitudes.

The New York Times

First, because this latest change of fortune may not be decisive.

The Economist

Change of Fortune The year 1994 was a good one for Republicans, and for Mr. Santorum.

The New York Times

Over the years, three explanations for this change of fortune have been offered.

The New Yorker

George Graham's installation in place of Howard Wilkinson brought a change of fortune.

Independent

"It felt good," Johnson said, referring to his change of fortune on No. 3.

The New York Times - Sports

Data provided by Marriott showed the recent change of fortune at Ritz-Carlton.

The New York Times

Mr. Schmidt's wound is emblematic of Google's recent change of fortune.

The New York Times

Even Richard III is being given some talismanic credit for the spectacular change of fortune.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "change of fortune" to describe a significant shift, whether positive or negative, in someone's life or a particular situation. It's more impactful when the shift is unexpected or dramatic.

Common error

Avoid implying a specific cause for a "change of fortune" unless it's explicitly clear. Overstating the reason can weaken the impact of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "change of fortune" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and frequently used. It describes a significant alteration in one's circumstances or luck, as demonstrated in many of the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

11%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "change of fortune" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes a significant shift in circumstances or luck. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use, particularly in news and media contexts. While its register is generally neutral, its frequent occurrence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian lends it a level of professional credibility. Related phrases include "reversal of fate" and "shift in circumstances", each offering a slightly different nuance. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates the magnitude and nature of the change being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reversal of fortune

Indicates complete contrary of previous fortune.

change in circumstances

General term that indicates any shift in current circumstances.

shift in circumstances

Highlights the alteration in conditions affecting a person or situation.

improvement in circumstances

Highlights the betterment of the current conditions.

reversal of fate

Emphasizes the opposition to a previous destiny or outcome.

twist of fate

Implies an unexpected and often ironic turn in events.

turn of events

Focuses on the sequence of occurrences altering the situation.

upturn in luck

Specifically suggests an improvement in one's luck or fortune.

turnaround

Emphasizes a complete reversal from a negative to a positive state.

stroke of luck

Focuses specifically on a positive, unexpected occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "change of fortune" in a sentence?

You can use "change of fortune" to describe a significant shift in someone's life, for example: "After winning the lottery, he experienced a dramatic "change of fortune"."

What's the difference between ""change of fortune"" and "turn of events"?

"Change of fortune" typically refers to a significant shift in someone's circumstances or luck, while "turn of events" simply refers to a new development or occurrence.

What are some alternatives to ""change of fortune""?

You can use alternatives like "reversal of fate", "shift in circumstances", or "twist of fate" depending on the specific context.

Is "change of fortune" formal or informal?

"Change of fortune" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage depends more on the surrounding language and tone than the phrase itself.