element of luck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "element of luck" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means that luck plays a role in a certain situation or outcome. It is often used in situations where chance or randomness affects the outcome. Example: "While hard work and skill are important in achieving success, there is always an element of luck involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There is an element of luck.

The Guardian - Sport

"There has been an element of luck.

The Guardian - Sport

"There's always an element of luck," he said.

The Washington Post

So there is an element of luck to the job".

The Guardian

There is an element of luck, of course.

The Guardian - Travel

To win big tournaments you need an element of luck.

The Guardian - Sport

Still, government officials say an element of luck is involved.

The New York Times - Travel

Still, Bradshaw said those shots "would bring a necessary additional element of luck into the game".

The New York Times - Sports

Asked about Genentech's recent successes, Dr. Levinson said, "There's an element of luck".

The New York Times

Much of moral life, Williams thought, contains a similar element of luck.

The New Yorker

I'm less convinced of that — I think there was a big element of luck at work.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "element of luck" to acknowledge the unpredictable factors influencing outcomes, even when skill and effort are primary drivers.

Common error

Avoid attributing success solely to luck; acknowledge the role of skill, preparation, and hard work alongside the "element of luck".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "element of luck" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a factor contributing to an event or outcome, acknowledging that chance plays a role alongside other influences. Ludwig examples reinforce this usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "element of luck" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to concede that chance or unforeseen circumstances have influenced an outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is typically employed in a neutral register and is most frequently found in news and media sources. While it is important to acknowledge the "element of luck", it is also crucial to avoid overstating its influence, as skill and preparation often play significant roles as well. Consider using alternatives such as "chance occurrence" or "lucky break" depending on the specific context. Remember to attribute a certain "proportion of luck" and skill to every result.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

role of chance

Highlights the portion that is determined by unpredictable factors.

lucky break

Suggests a sudden and advantageous opportunity arising from chance.

chance occurrence

Focuses on the unplanned and coincidental nature of an event.

fortunate happenstance

Combines luck and coincidence, emphasizing the positive outcome.

stroke of fortune

Emphasizes a sudden, favorable occurrence, differing from the general influence of luck.

random factor

Emphasizes the unpredictable and statistically independent nature of the influence.

serendipitous moment

Focuses on finding something good without looking for it.

twist of fate

Highlights the role of destiny or circumstances beyond control, rather than mere chance.

quirk of fate

Highlights the odd or peculiar nature of destiny's influence.

fluke event

Implies an unusual and unlikely occurrence, suggesting higher improbability.

FAQs

How can I use "element of luck" in a sentence?

You can use "element of luck" to acknowledge that chance or unforeseen circumstances played a role in a particular outcome, even when skill and effort were involved. For example, "While careful planning is essential, there's always an "element of luck" in business ventures."

What phrases are similar to "element of luck"?

Similar phrases include "stroke of fortune", "chance occurrence", or "lucky break", each emphasizing different aspects of chance and opportunity.

Is it appropriate to use "element of luck" in formal writing?

Yes, "element of luck" is appropriate for formal writing. As Ludwig shows, this phrase is commonly used in news media and academic contexts.

What is the difference between "element of luck" and "skill"?

"Element of luck" refers to chance or unforeseen circumstances, while "skill" refers to abilities acquired through training or experience. Although Olympic sports require a great deal of skill and training to succeed, some have a larger "element of luck" than others.