it was a stroke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was a stroke" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to a sudden event or action, often implying a significant or impactful occurrence. Example: "After years of hard work, winning the award was a stroke of luck that changed her life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It was a stroke.

The New York Times - Books

It was a stroke of luck.

The New York Times

It was a stroke of good fortune for the monument.

The New York Times - Books

It was a stroke of genius by my counterpart at Italian Condé Nast, Giampaolo Grandi.

The Guardian

And it was a stroke of genius, too, to pair the pie with coffee ice cream.

The New York Times - Travel

It was a stroke of brilliance to put 'democracy' in there".

The New Yorker

"I thought it was a stroke of genius," Ms. Paulus said.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Woods won the World Cup last year in Malaysia while playing with Mark O'Meara, when it was a stroke-play event in which both scores counted.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a stroke of genius.

The New York Times - Arts

It's a stroke of genius.

The Guardian - Film

On the contrary — it's a stroke of genius.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was a stroke" to highlight a decisive action or event, especially one with notable consequences. Consider the context to determine whether "stroke of luck", "stroke of genius", or another specific type of "stroke" is more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "it was a stroke" when referring to an actual medical stroke. The phrase is usually figurative and using it literally in a medical context can sound insensitive or confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was a stroke" functions as a statement, often followed by a modifier (e.g., "of luck", "of genius"), to describe an event or action. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. This indicates that it can be effectively used to express a sudden or impactful occurrence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was a stroke" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe an event or action, often with an implied modifier like 'of luck' or 'of genius'. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. Its primary function is to emphasize the significance or impact of the event. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, opting for clarity over ambiguity, and avoiding its misuse in literal medical contexts. Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, attesting to its wide acceptance and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was essentially a stroke

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of the action as a stroke.

it was effectively a stroke

Implies the action had the same result as a stroke, even if not literally.

it proved to be a stroke

Focuses on the eventual outcome or result of the action.

it turned out to be a stroke

Similar to 'proved to be', but with an element of unexpectedness.

it constituted a stroke

Emphasizes the action or event as a defining or significant moment.

it represented a stroke

Highlights the symbolic or representative nature of the action.

it amounted to a stroke

Suggests the action had a specific measurable impact or consequence.

it served as a stroke

Highlights the purpose or intention behind the action.

it functioned as a stroke

Focuses on the role or function the action played.

it acted as a stroke

Similar to 'functioned as', but with a sense of immediacy.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it was a stroke of luck"?

Use "it was a stroke of luck" when referring to a fortunate and unexpected event. For example, you might say, "Finding that rare book at the flea market "it was a stroke" of luck." In such cases, you can also consider using alternatives such as "it was fortunate" or "it was a lucky break".

What does it mean when someone says "it was a stroke of genius"?

Saying "it was a stroke of genius" means that something was a brilliant or ingenious idea or action. For example, "Her innovative solution to the problem "it was a stroke" of genius." Alternatives include "it was brilliant" or "it was ingenious".

Is "it was a stroke of bad luck" a correct way to use the phrase?

While less common, "it was a stroke of bad luck" is grammatically correct. It implies a sudden and unfortunate event. A more straightforward alternative would be "it was unfortunate" or "it was bad luck".

How can I avoid misusing the phrase "it was a stroke"?

To avoid misusing "it was a stroke", ensure the context implies a significant or impactful event. Avoid using it in contexts where a more literal or specific description is needed. For example, if discussing a medical condition, specify "he suffered a stroke" rather than simply saying ""it was a stroke"".