fortunate break

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fortunate break" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lucky or advantageous opportunity that has come your way. Example: "Winning the scholarship was a fortunate break that changed my life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

A fortunate break, the sort Mr Costanza rarely enjoys.

The Guardian - Sport

It is a fortunate break for both firm and employee but hardly a tribute to Britain's immigration system.

The Economist

BUFFALO — The Rangers' scoring troubles have become so pronounced that even when they catch a fortunate break, they struggle to produce goals.

The New York Times - Sports

For all that Leicester threw men forward in the final few minutes, the impression remained that they would need a fortunate break to equalise: it never came.

The Guardian - Sport

A fortunate break for Rory, whose second from the deep rough toys with the ditch down the right of the hole.

The Guardian - Sport

This year's draft is perceived to be flush with quality defensive linemen, a fortunate break for the Giants, after their lack of depth on the line was exposed during the playoff disaster in San Francisco.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

There were fortunate breaks.

The New York Times

That's two fortunate breaks at a time of need for New Jersey's club.

The New York Times

Her background turns out to have had hidden advantages, bolstered by fortunate breaks and effort.

The New York Times

Before Sunday's 4-2 loss that evened the series, 2-2, the Cardinals had led the Boston Red Sox largely because of strong starting pitching and a few fortunate breaks in the field.

The New York Times

The roommate who had alerted Ms. Yan, a 60-year-old man, was less fortunate, breaking the pipe on the way down and injuring himself in the fall, Mr. Li said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fortunate break" when you want to emphasize the element of luck or unexpected advantage in a situation. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "fortunate break" to describe events that are primarily negative or tragic. While it can be used ironically, ensure the tone is clear to prevent misunderstanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fortunate break" functions as a noun phrase that describes a lucky or advantageous event. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating a positive turn of events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Sports

30%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

4%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fortunate break" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that conveys the idea of a stroke of good luck or a beneficial opportunity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Its usage is particularly prevalent in news and sports contexts, where it's used to describe unexpected advantages. While there are many synonyms, such as "lucky opportunity" and "stroke of luck", it's important to use "fortunate break" in appropriate contexts, avoiding negative situations unless used intentionally for irony. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for a wide range of writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lucky opportunity

Focuses on the element of luck and chance involved.

lucky break

More informal and emphasizes the suddenness of the good fortune.

stroke of luck

Highlights the unexpected and beneficial nature of the event.

opportune moment

Emphasizes the timing and suitability of the event.

happy accident

Highlights the unintentional and positive outcome of the event.

serendipitous event

A more formal way to describe a fortunate and unplanned occurrence.

windfall

Implies a sudden and unexpected gain, often financial.

piece of good fortune

A more descriptive and less idiomatic alternative.

fluke

Highlights the improbable and accidental nature of the good fortune.

breakthrough

Suggests a significant advancement or positive development.

FAQs

What does "fortunate break" mean?

A "fortunate break" refers to a lucky or advantageous opportunity that comes unexpectedly.

How can I use "fortunate break" in a sentence?

You can use "fortunate break" to describe a situation where someone experiences an unexpected stroke of good luck. For example, "Winning the scholarship was a "fortunate break" that changed my life."

What can I say instead of "fortunate break"?

You can use alternatives like "lucky opportunity", "stroke of luck", or "happy accident depending on the context".

Is "fortunate break" the same as "lucky break"?

While similar, "fortunate break" and "lucky break" are not always interchangeable. "Fortunate break" can be slightly more formal, while "lucky break" is generally more informal. Both refer to a sudden, advantageous event.