lucky find

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lucky find" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a fortunate discovery or acquisition, often unexpectedly. Example: "While hiking in the woods, I stumbled upon a lucky find: an old, forgotten treasure chest buried beneath the leaves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

This is a lucky find.

The New York Times

"It was a very lucky find, with the cheapest rent in the world," Mr. Schulson said.

The New York Times

It also proved that you can, if you're lucky, find infinite riches in a little room.

The Guardian

Few tourists seem to know about this young market; to some, it's a lucky find.

The New York Times - Travel

aegyptiacus was an evolutionary one-off, or a lucky find hinting that other dinosaurs presumed to be kings on land were in fact sea-dwellers.

The Economist

Like most cookbook addicts, I buy a book, read it, and, if I'm lucky, find a couple of recipes that sound right, and forget the rest.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Lookin at Lucky found trouble early.

The New York Times - Sports

#1: Coca Cola Stock Certificate If the previous purchases were lucky finds, then this one is the jackpot.

Huffington Post

The minute flowers and seeds that document the evolution of the earliest flowering plants, for example, are sometimes single lucky finds (Friis et al., 2011).

Applications in Plant Sciences

Our luckiest find in French Polynesia was a small French restaurant called the Blue Lagoon (formerly LaGuinguette).

Los Angeles Times

It was without doubt the sort of lucky-find purchase that would have friends back home salivating.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lucky find", ensure the context clearly indicates that the discovery was both fortunate and somewhat unexpected. It's best suited for situations where the positive outcome is a result of chance rather than deliberate effort.

Common error

Avoid using "lucky find" to describe discoveries that were the result of a planned and intentional search. The phrase implies an element of chance, so using it in contexts where the outcome was deliberately sought may sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lucky find" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "lucky" modifies the noun "find". Ludwig AI confirms this usage pattern through numerous examples where it describes an accidental and fortunate discovery.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lucky find" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a fortunate and often unexpected discovery. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's primarily employed in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts, conveying a sense of delight and surprise. While various alternatives exist, such as "fortunate discovery" or "serendipitous discovery", "lucky find" effectively communicates the element of chance and good fortune associated with the discovery. When using this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with its intended meaning, emphasizing the unexpected and positive nature of the find.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fortunate discovery

Emphasizes the positive outcome and element of chance in the finding.

serendipitous discovery

Highlights the accidental and pleasant nature of the finding.

unexpected treasure

Focuses on the value and unforeseen nature of the discovery.

chance acquisition

Highlights the element of chance and the act of gaining something.

windfall

Implies a sudden and unexpected gain, often financial.

fluke

Highlights the accidental and improbable nature of the finding.

stroke of luck

Emphasizes the role of luck in the positive outcome.

happy accident

Focuses on the accidental and positive aspects of the finding.

opportune find

Highlights the timing and advantageous nature of the discovery.

jackpot

Suggests a significant and rewarding discovery.

FAQs

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

You can use "lucky find" to describe a fortunate and unexpected discovery, such as "The antique shop was a "lucky find", filled with hidden treasures".

What are some alternatives to "lucky find"?

Alternatives to "lucky find" include "fortunate discovery", "serendipitous discovery", or "windfall", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "lucky find" formal or informal?

"Lucky find" is generally considered to be neutral in tone and can be used in both informal and semi-formal contexts. It's suitable for news articles, casual conversations, and even some business communications.

What makes a "lucky find" different from a regular discovery?

A "lucky find" implies an element of chance and unexpected good fortune. It suggests that the discovery was not the result of deliberate searching or planning, but rather a happy accident.