heaven sent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heaven sent" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something or someone that is considered a blessing or a gift from heaven or God. Example: After months of struggling, the young couple finally received a heaven-sent financial windfall that allowed them to pay off their debts and start a new chapter in their lives.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Those victories seemed heaven sent.

The New York Times - Sports

Alexander McCall Smith is heaven sent.

The New York Times - Books

Heaven sent him to serve the people with just rule.

The New York Times

One that's heaven sent for young bibliophiles and theatre-goers.

The Guardian

Later a near-death experience convinces Victoria (Wendie Malick) that Elka just might be heaven sent.

The New York Times

In fact, the son of Conway Hall and Electra Hanover was practically heaven sent.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The breeze is heaven-sent.

The New York Times

The combination is heaven-sent.

The New York Times

Thomson's blast was a heaven-sent distraction.

The New York Times - Sports

For Arbus, the advice was heaven-sent.

The New York Times - Arts

Cricket days like this are heaven-sent.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "heaven sent", ensure the context aligns with the idea of something being a blessing or divinely ordained. This phrase adds a touch of reverence or gratitude to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "heaven sent" in contexts where a purely secular or coincidental explanation is more appropriate. Overusing it can diminish its impact and create a tone that is unintentionally religious or overly sentimental.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heaven sent" primarily functions as a qualifying adjective, modifying a noun to indicate that it is divinely ordained, extremely fortunate, or a great blessing. As Ludwig shows, it's used to describe things, people, or events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

11%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "heaven sent" is a commonly used adjective phrase that describes something or someone as a divine gift or blessing. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and prevalence across various sources, particularly in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, it carries connotations of gratitude and positive fortune. Alternatives like "godsend" or "a gift from God" can be used depending on the desired nuance. When incorporating "heaven sent" in your writing, be mindful of its religious undertones and ensure it aligns with the overall tone and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

godsend

A single word capturing the essence of something being a welcome benefit or blessing.

heaven-ordained

Similar to "heaven sent" but emphasizes the decree or command of heaven.

a gift from God

Emphasizes the divine origin of the blessing or fortunate event.

divinely inspired

Indicates that something is influenced or guided by a divine power.

a blessing in disguise

Indicates that something initially appearing bad turns out to be beneficial.

a stroke of luck

Highlights the element of chance and good fortune.

an act of Providence

Focuses on divine intervention and guidance.

a fortunate event

A more general term indicating a positive occurrence.

a serendipitous discovery

Emphasizes the accidental and beneficial nature of the finding.

a welcome relief

Highlights the alleviating effect of the arrival or event.

FAQs

How can I use "heaven sent" in a sentence?

Use "heaven sent" to describe something or someone that feels like a divine gift or blessing. For example, "The unexpected rain was "heaven sent" for the drought-stricken crops."

What are some alternatives to "heaven sent"?

You can use alternatives like "godsend", "a gift from God", or "a blessing in disguise" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "heaven-sent" or "heaven sent" more correct?

Both "heaven-sent" and "heaven sent" are acceptable, but "heaven-sent" is more common as a compound adjective. Using "heaven sent" is also correct, especially when used after a linking verb.

What does it mean when someone is described as "heaven sent"?

Describing someone as "heaven sent" means they are considered to be a particularly kind, helpful, or virtuous person, as if they were sent by a divine power to offer assistance or support. This is similar to being called "an angel".