luck has turned

USAGE SUMMARY

'luck has turned' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe when something changes for the better, usually in terms of fortune or good luck. For example: After months of bad luck, it seems like his fortunes have finally changed - luck has turned for the better.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General Interest

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Maud begins to believe her luck has turned.

Independent

"But I would hope my luck has turned.

The New York Times - Sports

Cole has reason to suppose his luck has turned.

The Guardian - Sport

The first is that the Government's luck has turned – or perhaps you could say our luck has turned – in that tax revenues are at last coming in strongly.

Independent

But his luck has turned in his favor, at a time when Lincecum's has abandoned him.

The New York Times - Sports

"Bad luck has turned into an opportunity and I am developing my creativity," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Now his luck had turned.

The Economist

Wang's luck had turned, it seemed.

The New Yorker

But eventually my luck had turned.

The New Yorker

I had no doubts my luck had turned.

The New York Times - Books

But in federal court here on Monday, it was clear just how drastically Mr. Harroun's luck had turned.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "luck has turned" to indicate a noticeable improvement in someone's circumstances, particularly after a period of misfortune. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "luck has turned" for minor improvements or temporary positive changes. Reserve it for situations where there's a substantial and lasting shift in fortune.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "luck has turned" functions as an idiomatic expression signifying a change in fortune, often for the better. It suggests a transition from a period of misfortune to one of success or positive circumstances. This is corroborated by Ludwig's examples, demonstrating its usage across various media outlets.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "luck has turned" serves as an effective way to communicate a shift in someone's fortunes, often from bad to good. Ludwig's analysis confirms that this expression is grammatically sound and commonly used across a variety of contexts, particularly in news and sports reporting. While relatively neutral in tone, it’s best employed to describe significant improvements rather than minor, fleeting changes. Consider alternatives like ""fortune has improved"" for a more formal tone or "the tide has turned" when referring to a shift in momentum within a competitive setting. Ludwig AI indicates its acceptability and provides relevant examples, further validating its use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fortune has improved

Focuses on the improvement of overall circumstances, often implying a broader scope than just luck.

things are looking up

Suggests a general positive change, implying that difficulties are easing.

the tide has turned

Implies a significant shift in momentum, often used in competitive situations.

better days are here

Expresses optimism about the future, highlighting the arrival of a more favorable period.

a change for the better has occurred

A more formal way of saying that luck has turned. This implies a definitive and noticeable change in circumstances.

one's prospects have brightened

Focuses specifically on the improvement of future possibilities and opportunities.

the tables have turned

Indicates a reversal of power or advantage, where someone previously disadvantaged is now in a better position.

destiny has shifted

Implies a fundamental change in fate or predetermined course of events.

the corner has been turned

Indicates that a difficult period is over, and progress is now being made.

a lucky break has arrived

Highlights a specific instance of good fortune, rather than an overall shift in luck.

FAQs

How can I use "luck has turned" in a sentence?

You can use "luck has turned" to describe a situation where someone's fortune has improved after a period of misfortune. For instance, "After years of struggling, it seems his "fortune has improved", and his luck has turned."

What's a more formal alternative to "luck has turned"?

A more formal way to express that "luck has turned" is to say "one's prospects have brightened" or "a change for the better has occurred".

Is "luck has turned" appropriate for formal writing?

While "luck has turned" is generally acceptable, it might be perceived as slightly informal. Consider using more formal alternatives like ""fortune has improved"" in academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "the tide has turned" and "luck has turned"?

"The tide has turned" implies a shift in momentum, often in a competitive situation, while "luck has turned" suggests a general improvement in someone's overall circumstances, not necessarily related to competition. The phrase "tide has turned" emphasizes a reversal of power or advantage.