good fortune

USAGE SUMMARY

"good fortune" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to express hope or optimism for a particular outcome or situation. For example, "I hope that you will have good fortune in your new job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Goodwin acknowledged his good fortune.

Independent

His good fortune ended there.

The New York Times - Sports

With good fortune that happened".

Independent

One piece of good fortune?

The New York Times

He realizes his good fortune.

The New York Times - Sports

His good fortune became ours.

The New Yorker

"A very good fortune!

The New Yorker

Good fortune is involved.

The Washington Post

"Good fortune!" Kim said.

The Guardian - Books

What good fortune?

The Guardian

The good fortune persisted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "good fortune" to express a genuine sentiment of hope for someone's success or well-being. Avoid using it sarcastically, as it can be misinterpreted.

Common error

Don't overuse "good fortune" when referring to situations that are primarily the result of skill or hard work. While luck may play a role, attributing success solely to fortune can diminish the person's accomplishments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good fortune" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a state of being lucky or having positive circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "good fortune" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that signifies positive luck or favorable circumstances. As Ludwig highlights, it's widely accepted and versatile across various writing styles. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it carries a neutral to slightly formal tone. To avoid common pitfalls, use it to convey sincere hopes and avoid overemphasizing luck when skill plays a significant role. Consider using related phrases like "lucky break" or "stroke of luck" for nuanced expressions. The frequent and authoritative use of "good fortune" confirms its place as a reliable and expressive phrase in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good luck

A more general and common term for positive chance or fortune.

favorable outcome

Highlights the positive result of a situation, whether due to luck or skill.

fortunate event

Emphasizes the positive outcome of a particular event or situation.

stroke of luck

Highlights a single, significant occurrence of good luck.

happy circumstance

Focuses on the positive conditions that lead to a favorable outcome.

lucky break

Implies a sudden, unexpected instance of good luck, often in overcoming an obstacle.

piece of luck

Suggests a small, but helpful, instance of good luck.

windfall

Indicates a sudden and unexpected gain, often financial.

serendipity

Emphasizes the accidental discovery of something fortunate while looking for something else.

act of providence

Implies that the good fortune is due to divine intervention or fate.

FAQs

How can I use "good fortune" in a sentence?

You can use "good fortune" to express hope for someone's future success, as in, "I wish you "good fortune" in your new venture". It can also describe a past event, such as, "It was my "good fortune" to meet her at the conference".

What's a more casual way to say "good fortune"?

For a less formal alternative, you could say "good luck". While "good fortune" carries a slightly more profound or formal tone, both express positive wishes.

Is "good fortune" appropriate for business communication?

Yes, "good fortune" is suitable for business communication, especially when expressing best wishes in a professional context. For example, "We wish you "good fortune" in your future endeavors".

What's the difference between "good fortune" and "good luck"?

"Good fortune" often implies a broader, more significant sense of positive circumstances or destiny, while "good luck" is generally used for specific events or situations where chance plays a role. They are often interchangeable, but "good fortune" can sound more formal or weighty.