lucky break

USAGE SUMMARY

"lucky break" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a fortunate event that happens unexpectedly or by chance. For example, "I got offered a job in a dream company after a lucky break."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A lucky break?

Independent

What a lucky break.

The Guardian - Sport

Or maybe a lucky break.

The New York Times - Food

I caught a lucky break.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It was another lucky break.

The New York Times

"It was a lucky break.

The New York Times - Sports

But then I got a lucky break.

The New York Times

Ramsey's finish wasn't a lucky break.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was my lucky break," Christie recalls.

The Guardian

'I had a lucky break,' Lean remembered.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

And they had a lucky break.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lucky break" when emphasizing the role of chance or good fortune in achieving a positive outcome. It's particularly appropriate when the success was unexpected or seemingly undeserved.

Common error

Avoid using "lucky break" when the achievement is solely the result of hard work, skill, or planning. It diminishes the credit due to effort and expertise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lucky break" functions as a noun phrase. It is used to identify a specific instance of good fortune or a fortuitous event that contributes to someone's success or positive outcome. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lucky break" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a stroke of good luck or a fortunate event, especially one that leads to success. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be suitable for academic or highly professional writing. When writing, be sure to use it only when luck genuinely played a part and not to undermine someone's accomplishments by diminishing the deserved credit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stroke of good luck

Highlights the sudden and unexpected nature of the positive event.

fortunate opportunity

Emphasizes the element of chance leading to a positive situation.

unexpected advantage

Focuses on the gain received rather than the luck involved.

opportune moment

Stresses the perfect timing of the event or situation.

happy accident

Suggests the positive outcome arose from something unplanned or unintentional.

golden opportunity

Highlights the potential for great success and benefit.

serendipitous event

Implies a fortunate discovery or occurrence that was not sought after.

windfall

Highlights the sudden and substantial nature of the gain.

fluke

Emphasizes the improbable and unintentional nature of the success.

breakthrough

Focuses on overcoming an obstacle and achieving significant progress.

FAQs

How can I use "lucky break" in a sentence?

You can use "lucky break" to describe an unexpected fortunate event. For example, "She got her "lucky break" when a famous director saw her performance."

What's a more formal alternative to "lucky break"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "fortunate opportunity" or "serendipitous event" which convey a similar meaning with a more elevated tone.

Is "lucky break" appropriate for professional writing?

While "lucky break" is widely understood, in formal business writing, it's often better to opt for phrases like "favorable circumstance" or "advantageous situation" to maintain a professional tone.

What is the difference between "lucky break" and "good decision"?

"Lucky break" refers to an event or circumstance that occurs by chance and leads to a positive outcome. "Good decision", on the other hand, implies a deliberate and thoughtful choice that leads to success. For example, he got a "lucky break" when the previous CEO resigned, but it was a good decision to apply for the role at the right time.