lucky

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "lucky" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this term to refer to someone who has a favorable outcome that was unpredictable or unearned, such as when you say something like, "I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lucky them.

The New York Times

I'm lucky".

The New York Times - Arts

"He has led the Tories with exemplary skill and if, like me, you have been lucky enough to meet him – you know you have been touched by greatness.

The Guardian

You will have to be lucky always".

The New York Times

I got lucky.

The New York Times

I'll wear my lucky suit, the one Prada gave me to wear at the Golden Globes".

The Guardian - Film

Others are not so lucky.

The Guardian

He was lucky.

The New York Times

But now, lucky George has finally found a woman in the nick of time, and has somehow convinced her to marry him.

The Guardian - Opinion

One participant remarked that it was lucky there was no HS2, as they needed time on the train to work.

The Guardian

Lucky for me, we weren't, as it may sound, in the Sahara desert, we were on the Atlantic coast, so I simply stripped down to my bikini and ran into the sea.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lucky" to describe situations where chance or unforeseen circumstances lead to a positive outcome. Ensure the context clearly indicates the element of fortune rather than skill or planning.

Common error

Avoid using "lucky" when success is primarily due to hard work, skill, or strategic planning. Overemphasizing luck can diminish the recognition of effort and expertise. Instead, highlight the role of both preparation and opportunity.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "lucky" primarily functions to attribute a state of good fortune or a positive outcome to a person or event. It describes a situation where chance or unexpected circumstances result in a favorable experience. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "lucky" is a versatile adjective used to describe situations or individuals experiencing good fortune through chance, as affirmed by Ludwig. With very common usage primarily in news and media, the word follows standard grammatical rules and holds a neutral formality. To avoid misuse, remember that "lucky" implies chance rather than earned success. Synonyms like "fortunate", "auspicious", and "favored" can provide subtle variations in meaning. Ludwig's examples showcase its wide application across different contexts, solidifying its role as a key descriptor of favorable, unearned outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fortunate

Direct synonym, indicating a similar state of having good luck.

favored

Implies being chosen or given preferential treatment, leading to a positive outcome.

auspicious

Emphasizes favorable conditions or a promising start.

providential

Suggests divine intervention or a fortunate coincidence.

blessed

Suggests divine favor or being in a state of grace, resulting in happiness or success.

charmed

Implies being protected by luck, often in a whimsical way.

successful

Focuses on achieving a desired outcome, often linked to good fortune.

winning

Directly relates to achieving victory or success.

hit the jackpot

An idiomatic expression for experiencing great luck or success.

on a roll

Implies a series of successes or lucky events.

FAQs

How can I use the word "lucky" in a sentence?

You can use "lucky" to describe someone who experiences a favorable outcome due to chance, as in "I was "lucky to" find a parking spot downtown" or "She felt "lucky enough to" win the lottery."

What are some synonyms for "lucky"?

Alternatives to "lucky" include "fortunate", "auspicious", and "favored", each carrying slightly different connotations of good fortune or success.

Is it always appropriate to describe someone as "lucky"?

While generally acceptable, describing someone as "lucky" might not be appropriate if their success is primarily attributed to hard work or skill. In such cases, terms like "successful" or "accomplished" may be more fitting.

What is the difference between "lucky" and "fortunate"?

"Lucky" generally implies an element of chance or randomness, while "fortunate" can also suggest being in a favorable situation due to circumstances or inherent qualities. The terms are often interchangeable, but "fortunate" sometimes carries a slightly more formal tone.