good luck

USAGE SUMMARY

"good luck" is a commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it to wish someone luck in a situation, for example, you can say "Good luck with your job interview tomorrow!".

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Good Luck!

Cornell University

good luck!

BBC

Good luck.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

And good luck, filmmakers.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when using "good luck"; it's appropriate in most informal and semi-formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "good luck" in situations where success depends primarily on skill, effort, or knowledge, it might imply a lack of confidence in the person's abilities. In these cases, consider alternatives that emphasize their preparation and capabilities, such as "I know you'll do great" or "I have no doubt you'll succeed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good luck" primarily functions as an interjection or a noun phrase. As an interjection, it expresses a wish for someone's success. As a noun phrase, it refers to desirable fortune, as evidenced by Ludwig's definition of the term.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Academia

25%

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "good luck" is a versatile phrase used to convey well wishes and encouragement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While appropriate in various contexts, including academia, news, and science, it's essential to consider the level of formality and the specific situation. Alternatives like "all the best" or "break a leg" may be more suitable in certain scenarios. While it's good practice to use "good luck", it is important to not overuse it in cases that depends primarily on skill.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

best wishes

This alternative uses a different noun to convey a similar sentiment of hoping for a positive outcome.

all the best

This alternative is a more general expression of goodwill, often used in farewells or before an event.

break a leg

This alternative is an idiom, often used in performing arts, to wish someone success.

hope it goes well

This alternative uses a more descriptive approach to express hope for a favorable result.

fingers crossed

This alternative is a gesture and expression indicating hope for a positive outcome.

wish you well

This alternative is a more formal and heartfelt expression of positive wishes.

may fortune smile on you

This alternative is a more poetic and elaborate way of wishing someone good luck.

have a good one

This alternative is a casual and general expression of goodwill.

hoping for the best

This alternative focuses on the anticipation and desire for a positive outcome.

doing my best

This alternative expresses the intention of exerting maximum effort and doesn't necessarily relate to luck or chance.

FAQs

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

You can use "good luck" to express your wishes for someone's success or fortune in a particular situation. For example, "Good luck with your presentation!" or "I wish you good luck on your exam." You can also use "best of luck" as an alternative.

What is the difference between "good luck" and "best of luck"?

The phrases "good luck" and "best of luck" are largely interchangeable and express the same sentiment of wishing someone well. "Best of luck" might be perceived as slightly more formal, but both are widely accepted in most contexts.

What are some alternatives to saying "good luck"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "break a leg" (especially in performing arts), "all the best", or "fingers crossed" to express similar sentiments.

Is it appropriate to say "good luck" in formal situations?

Yes, it is generally appropriate to say "good luck" in formal situations, although using "best of luck" might be slightly more suitable in extremely formal contexts. The key is to ensure your tone and body language align with the level of formality.