early fortunes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "early fortunes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the initial successes or wealth that someone experiences, often in the context of a person's life or career. Example: "Despite facing numerous challenges later in life, she often reminisced about her early fortunes in the business world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Nobody cared". Soccer was still seen by many as a benign distraction for children who showed little talent for American football, the sport on which EA's early fortunes had been founded.

The Guardian - Tech

Soccer was still seen by many as a benign distraction for children who showed little talent for American football, the sport on which EA's early fortunes had been founded.

The Guardian - Tech

The ups and downs of the movie's early fortunes have become a touchstone and a parable, a crucial episode in the entwined histories of Hollywood, American film criticism and postmodern popular culture.

The New York Times

Unlike Seville or Bilbao, whose early fortunes were inextricably linked to their waterways, Madrid began as a hilltop fortress that conveniently had a little river, the Manzanares, winding lazily through the plain below (to the west of the Royal Palace, which stands on the site of the fortress).

The New York Times - Travel

They made smart use of politically connected advisers--Bush 41 was one--and accumulated their early fortunes by buying defense-oriented firms.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Codfish made the city's early fortune.

The New York Times - Food

During the summer of that year he created the invention which would make his name and early fortune.

Independent

Her father, a British transplant of low birth and high ambition, made an early fortune in botanical pharmaceuticals.

The New York Times - Books

He went to New York and made his early fortune turning around a failing wholesaler of paper and printing supplies.

The New York Times

Lumb also had some minor early fortune, mishooking Awana three times in his first over - for a six, a four and a two.

Independent

The company, which controlled much of the landmass that is now Western and Northern Canada, owed much of its early fortune to the trade in beaver pelts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the origins of a company or individual's success, use "early fortunes" to clearly indicate the initial financial achievements that laid the foundation for future growth.

Common error

Avoid using "early fortunes" when referring to non-financial achievements. The phrase is specifically related to monetary or material wealth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "early fortunes" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. It describes the initial financial successes or prosperity achieved by an individual, company, or entity, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "early fortunes" is a noun phrase used to describe initial financial successes. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and most commonly found in News & Media. While the phrase is appropriate in business and formal writing, it should be used specifically when referring to monetary or material wealth and not confused with general success. Consider alternatives like "initial wealth" or "early financial success" for similar meanings. Use "early fortunes" to effectively convey the beginnings of financial prosperity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial wealth

Focuses specifically on the monetary aspect of the phrase.

early financial success

Emphasizes the financial aspect and timing of the success.

early prosperity

Highlights the state of thriving or flourishing at the beginning.

initial success

Broader term that may not necessarily be tied to financial aspects.

beginner's luck

Refers to good luck experienced by a beginner.

first affluence

Specifically indicates the first experience of wealth or abundance.

early financial gains

Highlights the profits or returns acquired early on.

early windfall

Implies an unexpected and significant gain early in a venture.

youthful success

Focuses on achieving success during one's youth.

budding affluence

Suggests wealth that is just starting to develop or emerge.

FAQs

How can I use "early fortunes" in a sentence?

"Early fortunes" can be used to describe the initial financial successes of a person or company. For example: "The company owed its "early fortune" to a series of successful product launches."

What is a good substitute for "early fortunes"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "initial wealth", "early financial success", or "early prosperity".

Is it appropriate to use "early fortunes" in formal writing?

Yes, "early fortunes" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing business history or economic factors. However, ensure the context aligns with financial or material success.

What's the difference between "early fortunes" and "beginner's luck"?

"Early fortunes" refers to actual financial gains or prosperity achieved early on, while "beginner's luck" implies that the success is due to chance rather than skill or planning. They are not interchangeable in most contexts.