heaven-sent

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'heaven-sent' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an adjective meaning "having been received or given as a gift or blessing from heaven or a divine source." Example: "The unexpected rain was a heaven-sent relief for the farmers, who were struggling with a drought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

The combination is heaven-sent.

The New York Times

Thomson's blast was a heaven-sent distraction.

The New York Times - Sports

Cricket days like this are heaven-sent.

The Guardian - Sport

This heaven-sent man, like an angel.

The New York Times

Among futurologists, it is heaven-sent.

The Guardian

It had to be a heaven-sent message.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

"Heaven Sent Me a Mangel".

The New Yorker

But let's go with Heaven Sent, brutal though it is.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Most intriguingly of all, penultimate episode Heaven Sent will be a single-hander featuring only Capaldi.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's difficult to argue that's what going on in Heaven Sent isn't brilliant, because it clearly is.

Independent

A confession: the first time I watched Heaven Sent, I barely had the faintest clue what was going on.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "heaven-sent" to describe events, opportunities, or people that are exceptionally fortunate or seem divinely ordained. For instance, "The unexpected grant was a heaven-sent opportunity for the struggling artist."

Common error

Avoid using "heaven-sent" to describe ordinary or trivial occurrences. It should be reserved for situations that genuinely feel like a blessing or a stroke of extraordinary good fortune. For example, saying "This coffee is heaven-sent" diminishes the phrase's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heaven-sent" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something considered extremely fortunate, opportune, or divinely given. Ludwig AI confirms that it follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "heaven-sent" functions as an adjective to describe something remarkably fortunate or providential. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and acceptability in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase carries a generally neutral tone, suitable for various contexts. Consider alternatives like "fortunate" or "providential" for nuanced emphasis. Reserve it for genuinely blessed or opportune events to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a godsend

A more direct synonym emphasizing a beneficial event or thing.

providential

Highlights the idea of divine intervention or foresight.

miraculous

Suggests an extraordinary and improbable event.

fortunate

Focuses on the luck or good fortune aspect.

blessed

Emphasizes the positive and fortunate aspect.

divinely inspired

Implies that something is inspired by a divine source.

opportune

Emphasizes the timeliness and suitability of something.

serendipitous

Indicates a fortunate accident or unexpected discovery.

auspicious

Highlights that something is conductive to success

well-timed

Focuses on the perfect timing of an event or occurrence.

FAQs

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

Use "heaven-sent" to describe something that feels like a blessing or a stroke of extraordinary good fortune. For instance, "The unexpected scholarship was a heaven-sent opportunity for her to pursue her dreams."

What can I say instead of "heaven-sent"?

You can use alternatives like "fortunate", "providential", or "a godsend" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "heaven-sent" in formal writing?

Yes, "heaven-sent" is appropriate in formal writing when describing something genuinely fortunate or divinely ordained. However, consider whether a more neutral term like "opportune" or "serendipitous" might be more suitable depending on the context.

What is the difference between "heaven-sent" and "lucky"?

"Heaven-sent" implies a divine or providential origin, suggesting that something good happened due to fate or a higher power. "Lucky" simply means experiencing good fortune without necessarily implying a divine cause. You might consider "miraculous" instead of "heaven-sent".