could use a miracle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could use a miracle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a need for something extraordinary or unexpected to improve a situation. Example: "After a long week of challenges at work, I feel like I could use a miracle to turn things around."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Jeremy, we could use a miracle here.

The New Yorker

He rejects the dissidents' claim to be acting under a constitutional provision that enshrines the right to disobey a government that subverts democracy, arguing that they are engaged in a coup similar to one which briefly overthrew him last April.Another who could use a miracle is Cesar Gaviria, secretary-general of the Organisation of American States (OAS).

The Economist

Such buildings exist in older areas of cities across the country--areas where men and women like Henry Biggs do battle daily with the ravages of crime, poverty and drugs and really could use a miracle.

Los Angeles Times

I hate to sound jaded, but I've been to revivals and to healing crusades and have witnessed firsthand the poor representation of biblical Christianity; how they murder the scriptures and devastate the faithful folks who really could use a miracle but wind up leaving in the same wheelchairs that brought them.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He could use a few miracles himself.

Forbes

And who couldn't use a miracle right about now?

Los Angeles Times

After all who couldn't use a miracle every now and then?

HuffPost

Even if the public separates the administrative scandal from the Games, the U.S.O.C. could still use another "Miracle on Ice".

The New York Times - Sports

Use a butter knife to spread the mayo/miracle whip.

WikiHow

But what happened three years ago was truly a miracle for us, a miracle we couldn't have even dreamed of".

Unicef

But Spieth couldn't manage a miracle.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could use a miracle" to express a desire for a significant positive change, especially when facing difficult circumstances. It adds a touch of hope and acknowledges the unlikelihood of a simple solution.

Common error

While "could use a miracle" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in highly formal or professional writing where a more direct or pragmatic tone is expected. Consider alternatives like "requires a significant improvement" or "would greatly benefit from a breakthrough."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could use a miracle" functions as an idiomatic expression to indicate a strong need for a positive, albeit unlikely, intervention or fortunate event. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. Examples show it being used in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could use a miracle" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey the need for a highly improbable positive intervention in a difficult situation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is found most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, with a neutral to informal tone. While generally acceptable, overuse in highly formal settings should be avoided, opting instead for more direct alternatives. Related phrases include "needs a stroke of luck" and "is hoping for a breakthrough". The phrase serves to express hope, even when facing seemingly insurmountable odds.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs a stroke of luck

Suggests a requirement for a favorable event by chance.

is hoping for a breakthrough

Focuses on the need for a significant advancement to resolve an issue.

would benefit from divine intervention

Emphasizes the requirement of a positive change that is achieved with help of religious belief.

requires a fortunate turn of events

Highlights a demand for a serendipitous incident.

is praying for a change

Highlights a need for something achieved through religious belief.

is wishing for a happy outcome

Emphasizes the expectation of a positive end.

is depending on something extraordinary

Focuses on the hope for something special or exceptional.

is looking for a game changer

Suggests an expectation for a new element that flips the situation.

is banking on an unforeseen solution

Highlights the dependance on a casual way to make it.

is craving a fortunate resolution

Emphasizes an intense need for a casual agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "could use a miracle" in a sentence?

You can use "could use a miracle" to express the need for a significant positive change in a difficult situation. For example, "After a series of setbacks, the project "could use a miracle" to succeed".

What are some alternatives to "could use a miracle"?

Alternatives include "needs a stroke of luck", "is hoping for a breakthrough", or "would benefit from divine intervention", depending on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "could use a miracle" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "could use a miracle" might be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using more direct or professional alternatives like "requires a significant improvement" or "would greatly benefit from a breakthrough".

What does "could use a miracle" imply?

The phrase "could use a miracle" implies that the current situation is challenging and that only a highly improbable or extraordinary event could bring about a positive resolution.