depend on luck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "depend on luck" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to rely on chance or fortune to determine the outcome of a situation. Example: "I didn't study for the exam, so my success will solely depend on luck."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

In the end, we depend on luck.

The New York Times

"It doesn't depend on luck".

The New York Times

Together, those should fetch about £15 billion, although much will depend on luck and timing.

The Economist

So, for the next several weeks, a rider's fare may well depend on luck.

The New York Times

Long Island should not have to depend on luck to keep the lights on.

The New York Times

Other bookies just chisel along and depend on luck more than their shrewdness.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"A great fortune depends on luck, a small one on diligence", Chinese Proverb.

TechCrunch

But how one fares in a market economy depends on luck as well as effort.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By the end of the war, their patients were starving to death; Glusman shows that survival depended on luck, as when the four are separated and one is shipped on a Japanese transport through a field of Allied submarines.

The New Yorker

But it also depends on luck.

The New York Times

So much depends on luck and timing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing strategic planning or risk management, consider whether explicitly acknowledging the role of luck adds transparency or undermines the perceived control over outcomes. If luck plays a significant role, mentioning it can show realism; otherwise, emphasize proactive measures.

Common error

Avoid using "depend on luck" as a primary explanation for success or failure in professional settings. While luck can be a factor, attributing outcomes solely to chance may diminish the perception of skill, effort, and strategic planning. Instead, balance acknowledgements of luck with demonstrations of competence and preparation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depend on luck" functions as a predicate in sentences, indicating that the subject's outcome is contingent on chance or good fortune. This can be seen in examples provided by Ludwig, such as "the rider's fare may well depend on luck".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "depend on luck" is grammatically correct and conveys a reliance on chance or fortune. According to Ludwig, the expression is most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, indicating its broad applicability. While grammatically sound, it's crucial to use this phrase judiciously, especially in professional environments where emphasizing strategy and skill is more appropriate. Alternatives like "rely on chance" or "hinge on fortune" can offer nuanced ways to express the same concept. This review aligns with Ludwig's assessment that "depend on luck" is a valid and useful phrase when used thoughtfully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rely on chance

Focuses on the aspect of relying on random occurrences or unpredictable events, omitting the explicit mention of 'luck'.

trust to fortune

Emphasizes the role of destiny or fate in determining an outcome, using a more formal tone.

hinge on fortune

Highlights the pivotal role that luck or good fortune plays in the success or failure of something.

be subject to chance

Indicates that the outcome is not controlled and is at the mercy of random events.

rest on serendipity

Highlights the importance of fortunate coincidences and unexpected discoveries.

be down to pot luck

Primarily British English, implying the outcome is entirely random and without planning.

gamble on circumstances

Highlights that a degree of risk is being taken based on the existing set of circumstances.

leave to fate

Surrendering control and allowing destiny to dictate the results.

trust to providence

Implies a belief that divine intervention will determine the outcome.

bank on a fluke

Suggests relying on an improbable or unusual event to achieve success.

FAQs

How can I use "depend on luck" in a sentence?

You can use "depend on luck" to indicate that the outcome of a situation is heavily influenced by chance. For example, "Since I didn't study, passing the test will depend on luck."

What are some alternatives to "depend on luck"?

Alternatives include "rely on chance", "trust to fortune", or "hinge on fortune", each suggesting a slightly different nuance of relying on fortuitous circumstances.

Is it better to "depend on luck" or rely on preparation?

While luck can play a role, relying solely on it is generally not advisable. Preparation and skill are more reliable determinants of success. Ideally, a combination of preparation and favorable circumstances yields the best results.

When is it appropriate to say that something "depends on luck"?

It's appropriate to say something "depends on luck" when the outcome is largely unpredictable and not easily controlled, such as in games of chance or situations with many unknown variables.