it was a fortune

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was a fortune" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is an idiomatic expression that means something was a large amount of money or a great amount of luck or success. It can be used in both formal and informal writing. Example: "After years of struggling, winning the lottery turned out to be a fortune for John and his family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It was a fortune.

The New Yorker

I didn't care – I thought it was a fortune".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Our first winner came in and said it was a fortune cookie.

The New York Times

The second winner came in and said it was a fortune cookie.

The New York Times

The third winner came in and said it was a fortune cookie".

The New York Times

At a time when the average Cuban made about six dollars a month, it was a fortune.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It's a fortune, but who cares?

The New York Times - Style

Or maybe it's a fortune cookie without the cookie?

The New Yorker

It's a game changer, it's a "fortune cookie", it's worth $18bn!

The Guardian - Business

It is a fortune that even Cleopatra might have blushed at.

Independent

"It may be chicken feed to a millionaire, but to ordinary people it's a fortune.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider if a more precise term like "substantial wealth" or "significant financial gain" might be more appropriate than the idiomatic "it was a fortune".

Common error

Avoid using "it was a fortune" excessively in formal or academic writing. While acceptable, it can sometimes sound less professional than more specific and descriptive language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was a fortune" functions as a predicate nominative, identifying the subject (it) as a large sum of money or significant luck. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and serves to describe something of great value or benefit.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was a fortune" is a grammatically sound and commonly understood expression used to describe something of great monetary value or significant luck. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various writing contexts. While adaptable, it's best suited for neutral to slightly informal settings, as overuse in formal contexts may detract from a professional tone. Alternatives like "it represented great wealth" or "it was a windfall" can offer more precise options depending on the intended emphasis. Predominantly found in News & Media, its use spans across contexts, making it a versatile addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it represented a great wealth

Replaces "fortune" with "great wealth", emphasizing the monetary value.

it was an enormous sum of money

Specifies that the fortune refers to a large amount of money.

it was a life-changing amount

Highlights the transformative impact of the fortune.

it proved to be a bonanza

Uses "bonanza" to suggest sudden wealth or good fortune.

it was a windfall

Emphasizes the unexpected and sudden nature of the good fortune.

it signified immense prosperity

Focuses on long term wealth and well being.

it amounted to a king's ransom

Exaggerates the amount, implying a very large sum.

it was incredibly lucrative

Focuses on the profitability and financial gain.

it turned out to be a goldmine

Suggests a source of continuous wealth and abundance.

it was a stroke of immense luck

Shifts the focus to the element of luck involved.

FAQs

How can I use "it was a fortune" in a sentence?

You can use "it was a fortune" to describe a large sum of money or a significant stroke of luck. For example, "Winning the lottery, "it was a fortune" that changed her life".

What does "it was a fortune" mean?

"It was a fortune" means something represented a considerable amount of wealth or good luck, often unexpectedly gained.

What can I say instead of "it was a fortune"?

You can use alternatives like "it represented great wealth", "it was an enormous sum of money", or "it was a windfall" depending on the context.

Is "it was a fortune" formal or informal?

"It was a fortune" is generally considered somewhat informal but acceptable in many contexts. In highly formal writing, consider using more precise language.