how fortunate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how fortunate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a sense of luck or good fortune regarding a situation or event. Example: "How fortunate we are to have such supportive friends during difficult times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But -- how fortunate!

The New York Times

Look how fortunate I am.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I definitely know how fortunate I am".

The New York Times - Sports

I didn't realize how fortunate I was".

The New York Times - Sports

Don't you realize how fortunate you are?

The New Yorker

Didn't he know how fortunate he was?

The New York Times - Magazine

We know how fortunate we are".

The Guardian

And he seems to know how fortunate he now is.

The New York Times

"I know how fortunate I am," he said.

The New York Times

In retrospect, I can appreciate how fortunate I was.

The New Yorker

How fortunate for two only children such a friendship is!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how fortunate" to express sincere gratitude or recognition of a positive situation, especially when acknowledging an element of luck or unexpected benefit. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "how fortunate" is versatile, avoid overusing it in casual conversation where simpler expressions like "how lucky" or "that's great" might sound more natural. Tailor your language to suit the specific context and audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how fortunate" primarily functions as an exclamatory expression. It serves to emphasize a feeling of luck, privilege, or gratitude for a positive outcome or situation. Ludwig AI suggests it's correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

13%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "how fortunate" is a versatile and frequently used expression to convey a sense of luck, gratitude, or privilege in response to a positive situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, though simpler alternatives might be preferable in very informal settings. Its common occurrence in news, media, and business suggests broad applicability. When writing, remember to use it to express genuine appreciation for favorable circumstances, and consider the formality of your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how lucky

Replaces "fortunate" with a more informal synonym emphasizing chance or luck.

we are so lucky

Shifts from an exclamation to a statement of being lucky, emphasizing personal experience.

how blessed

Implies divine favor or a spiritual source of good fortune, adding a layer of reverence.

how advantageous

Focuses on the benefits or positive aspects of a situation, highlighting the favorable conditions.

how favorable

Highlights the positive nature of conditions or circumstances, focusing on their helpfulness.

we are so blessed

Similar to "how blessed", but expressed as a direct statement of feeling blessed.

what a stroke of luck

Expresses surprise and emphasizes the element of chance in a positive outcome.

how propitious

Uses a more formal and less common word for fortunate, suggesting favorable timing or circumstances.

how serendipitous

Emphasizes the accidental and beneficial nature of the fortunate event.

how charmed

Suggests being protected or favored by fate, implying a continuous state of good fortune.

FAQs

What does "how fortunate" mean?

The phrase "how fortunate" expresses a feeling of being lucky or privileged, often in response to a positive or beneficial situation. It acknowledges that the outcome was favorable and that one is grateful for it.

When is it appropriate to use "how fortunate"?

It is appropriate to use "how fortunate" when you want to express a sense of gratitude or acknowledgment of good luck. It fits well in situations where something positive has occurred, and you want to recognize the favorable circumstances.

What can I say instead of "how fortunate"?

You can use alternatives like "how lucky", "how blessed", or "how advantageous" depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "how fortunate" formal or informal?

The phrase "how fortunate" can be used in both formal and informal settings. However, it leans slightly towards the formal side. In very casual contexts, phrases like "how lucky" might be more appropriate.