fortuitous event

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fortuitous event" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an occurrence that happens by chance, often with a positive outcome. Example: "Winning the lottery was a fortuitous event that changed his life forever."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"I glowed at this fortuitous event," he said.

The New York Times

Perhaps this October 1st some fortuitous event will slip through the heavily policed merriment of the occasion?

The New Yorker

The early drafts always had him getting rescued from the island at some point, through a fortuitous event.

The New York Times

'Injury' is defined as an injury resulting from some fortuitous event, as distinguished from the contraction of disease.

Cornell University

For one group of people living in Manabí Province, however, the earthquake turned out to be a fortuitous event.

The New York Times

"Cabaret" was the first show for which the marketing and casting departments of the theater had to deal with such a fortuitous event.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

But a series of fortuitous events allowed the assemblage for the new store to occur.

The New York Times

The Los Angeles revival was a triumph, helped by a series of fortuitous events.

The New Yorker

That moment sets the tone and foreshadows all the seemingly fortuitous events that will alter the lives of the principal characters.

The New York Times - Arts

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Allen says that Farrow's discovery of the nude pictures of Soon-Yi he had in his apartment was "one of the fortuitous events, one of the great pieces of luck in my life".

The Guardian - Film

But it ended up, by a serious of fortuitous events, in Dallas, along with a T-shaped pendant and an album of photographs that provides a rare picture of Asante society at the end of the 19th century.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fortuitous event" to describe unexpected occurrences that lead to positive outcomes, especially when emphasizing the role of chance or luck.

Common error

Avoid using "fortuitous event" to describe outcomes solely resulting from planned actions or skill. The phrase implies a significant element of chance, so ensure it accurately reflects the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fortuitous event" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As noted by Ludwig AI, it describes something that happens by chance and has a positive outcome.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fortuitous event" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe an unexpected, positive occurrence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's generally considered correct and suitable for use in written English. Found commonly in news, academic, and scientific contexts, it suggests luck or chance played a significant role. While synonyms like "lucky break" or "happy accident" exist, "fortuitous event" maintains a slightly more formal tone. Ensure the phrase accurately reflects the situation by avoiding its use when outcomes are solely the result of planning or skill, maintaining proper usage and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Lucky break

Highlights the element of luck involved.

Happy accident

Emphasizes the accidental nature with a positive result.

Serendipitous occurrence

Focuses on the pleasant surprise and unexpectedness of the event.

Providential circumstance

Suggests a guiding force or divine intervention behind the event.

Fluke event

Implies the event was highly improbable and unlikely to be repeated.

Beneficial coincidence

Underscores the advantageous nature of the simultaneous occurrence.

Fortunate incident

Replaces 'event' with a more general term for an occurrence.

Welcome surprise

Focuses on the positive emotional reaction to the unexpected event.

A stroke of luck

Highlights the element of chance and good fortune.

Unexpected boon

Emphasizes the benefit derived from the unforeseen event.

FAQs

How can I use "fortuitous event" in a sentence?

You can use "fortuitous event" to describe a chance occurrence that leads to a positive result. For example: "The discovery of the lost manuscript was a "fortuitous event" for the library."

What are some alternatives to "fortuitous event"?

Alternatives to "fortuitous event" include "lucky break", "happy accident", or "serendipitous occurrence". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "fortuitous event" or "fortunate event"?

While both phrases convey a positive outcome, "fortuitous event" emphasizes the role of chance or accident, while "fortunate event" suggests more generally that the event was favorable. Choose the phrase that best reflects the actual circumstances.

Can "fortuitous event" have a negative connotation?

Generally, "fortuitous event" has a positive connotation, emphasizing the beneficial outcome. However, in some contexts, it might be used ironically to describe an event that appears positive but has underlying negative consequences.