happy chance

USAGE SUMMARY

"happy chance" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It usually means a fortunate or lucky event. For example, you can say "It was a happy chance that I stumbled upon that old café near the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

But lo! What happy chance!

The New York Times

By a happy chance, he finds someone with a comparable hunger.

The New Yorker

By a happy chance her farewell to the big screen utilised those attributes.

The Guardian - Film

He got such intense pleasure from his work that success was always more a happy chance than a planned outcome.

The Guardian

By happy chance, the local Aviva Premiership team plays in a very similar kit to Japan - cherry and white hoops.

The Guardian - Sport

If the first attribute presented both a complication and a happy chance to gossip, the second and third were perceived as failings.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

And if your wingers are happy, chances are you're #winning more than Charlie Sheen.

The Guardian - Sport

This is a story about happy chances and the rewards of being with a friend, as well as a story about surviving loss and moving on.

The New York Times - Books

Why am I willing to accept a few small happy chances, but dismiss others as ridiculous?

Huffington Post

If someone is making you happy, chances are you're doing the same for them.

Huffington Post

You too have an endless supply of happy chances coming to you.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "happy chance" to describe unexpected, positive occurrences, especially when emphasizing the role of luck or serendipity in achieving a favorable outcome.

Common error

While "happy chance" highlights the role of luck, avoid using it to downplay hard work or strategic planning. Acknowledge the contributions of effort alongside the fortunate event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "happy chance" functions as a noun phrase that describes a fortunate or serendipitous occurrence. It is often used to highlight the role of luck in a positive outcome, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "happy chance" is a common and correct phrase used to describe a fortunate or lucky event. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources. The phrase is most frequently used in news and media contexts and is generally considered to have a neutral to informal register. While highlighting the role of luck, it's important to acknowledge the contributions of effort alongside the fortuitous event. Alternatives such as "fortunate coincidence" or "lucky break" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fortunate coincidence

Emphasizes the accidental yet positive alignment of events.

lucky break

Highlights the element of luck involved in the favorable outcome.

stroke of luck

Underscores the sudden and unexpected nature of the good fortune.

serendipitous event

Focuses on the unplanned discovery of something beneficial.

providential happening

Suggests a sense of divine intervention or fate in the occurrence.

opportune moment

Highlights the timing of the event as being particularly advantageous.

fluke

Implies that the event was accidental and unlikely to happen.

windfall

Suggests a sudden and unexpected gain or advantage.

fortuitous circumstance

Emphasizes the favorable conditions surrounding the event.

golden opportunity

Highlights the potential for significant gain or advancement.

FAQs

How can I use "happy chance" in a sentence?

You can use "happy chance" to describe a fortunate or lucky event. For example: "By "happy chance", I met my future business partner at a conference."

What are some alternatives to "happy chance"?

Alternatives include "fortunate coincidence", "lucky break", or "stroke of luck", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "happy chance" a formal or informal expression?

"Happy chance" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in news and media than in highly formal academic writing.

Is it correct to say "a happy chance" or simply "happy chance"?

Both are correct. Using "a happy chance" emphasizes the singularity of the event, while "happy chance" can refer to the concept more generally. The choice depends on the specific context.