luck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "luck" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to fortune or chance, often in contexts related to success or failure. Example: "I wish you all the luck in your new job; you deserve it!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Travel

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bad luck?

The Economist

Wish me luck.

The New York Times

Good luck to them".

The New York Times - Sports

So her protestations of ordinariness might all seem somewhat disingenuous – though it's refreshing to hear a pop megastar acknowledge concepts such as luck and chance, rather than grimly trotting out American dream cliches and Protestant work ethic myths – were it not for her own career decisions bearing it out.

The Guardian - Music

With luck there will still be white truffles to be eaten in Enrico Crippa's relaxed La Piola in Alba or upstairs in his smarter three-Michelin star Piazza Duomo.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There was some bravery and some luck in survival.

The Guardian - Music

Disabled daughters in India are thought traditionally to bring shame and bad luck on families and so are often hidden away.

The Guardian

Maybe there's a superstition in Hollywood that to prepare a script is bad luck.

The Guardian - Film

"We have had the luck so far to meet sides like us.

The Guardian - Sport

These poor people's bad luck was my comedy gold, as I spent a very merry evening repeating the phrase, "So, what you're saying is… Mos def-initely won't be coming?" The Sunday was all about the hamam, so we left our resentful-looking baby with a very experienced sitter for the day.

The Guardian - Travel

The rest of the family had no such luck: while one of his aunts and her daughter survived because they were Catholics, his grandmother, his two uncles and his other aunt were murdered along with their families in Auschwitz and other camps; his mother's side of the family was completely wiped out.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "luck" to describe situations where outcomes are uncertain and influenced by external factors beyond one's control.

Common error

Avoid attributing success or failure solely to "luck". Acknowledge the influence of preparation, skill, and effort to offer a more accurate and comprehensive assessment.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "luck" is a noun, referring to chance or fortune, especially when it results in a favorable outcome. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is often used to describe situations where the outcome is uncertain or influenced by external factors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sport

15%

Opinion

12%

Less common in

Travel

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "luck" is a versatile noun used to describe chance or fortune, often with an emphasis on favorable outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media. Its usage spans from wishing someone well to acknowledging the role of chance in various events, making it a common expression. While often positive, "luck" can also refer to negative outcomes. Therefore, it's important to acknowledge the interplay between skill, effort, and "luck" for a balanced and accurate assessment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fortune

Emphasizes the positive or negative events that happen to someone.

chance

Highlights the element of randomness and unpredictability.

good fortune

Specifically refers to positive outcomes and favorable circumstances.

success

Focuses on achieving a desired outcome, often influenced by luck.

destiny

Implies a predetermined course of events, sometimes linked to luck.

fate

Suggests an unavoidable and predetermined outcome.

providence

Implies divine intervention or guidance in events.

fluke

Denotes a chance occurrence, typically unexpected and positive.

break

Refers to a favorable opportunity or stroke of luck.

windfall

Indicates an unexpected and significant gain or advantage.

FAQs

What is the meaning of "luck"?

"Luck" refers to chance or fortune, especially when it results in a favorable outcome. It can also describe a superstitious feeling meant to bring fortune or success.

How can I use "luck" in a sentence?

You can use "luck" in a sentence to describe events that are influenced by chance, such as "Winning the lottery is a matter of "luck"" or "I wish you good "luck" on your exam".

What are some synonyms for "luck"?

Synonyms for "luck" include "fortune", "chance", and "fate". The best alternative depends on the specific context.

Is "luck" always positive?

No, "luck" can be both positive (good luck) and negative (bad luck). It simply refers to the role of chance in events, regardless of the outcome. You can also talk about "misfortune".