matter of luck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "matter of luck" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or outcome that is determined by chance rather than skill or planning. Example: "Winning the lottery is often just a matter of luck, as the odds are heavily stacked against you."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a matter of luck.

The Guardian

Prosperity isn't a matter of luck.

The Guardian

It was really a matter of luck.

The New York Times - Food

"It's just a matter of luck".

The Guardian

What was a matter of luck?

The New York Times

My cow-adjacent spot was a matter of luck.

The New Yorker

His way out was equally a matter of luck.

The Guardian

It's all a matter of luck and temperament.

The New York Times

"It should not be a matter of luck".

The Guardian

But in many cases, discoveries were a matter of luck.

The New York Times - Arts

Life is so much a matter of luck.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing unpredictable events, consider using "matter of luck" to acknowledge the role of chance alongside other contributing factors like skill or effort.

Common error

Avoid framing situations solely as a "matter of luck" when other factors clearly contribute. Acknowledge the interplay of skill, preparation and chance for a balanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "matter of luck" functions as a noun phrase that describes a situation or event where the outcome is primarily determined by chance rather than skill or other controllable factors. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "matter of luck" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe situations where chance plays a dominant role. Ludwig's analysis reveals that it is frequently found in news and media, as well as in scientific and academic contexts. While acceptable across various registers, it's important to avoid overusing the phrase and to acknowledge the influence of other factors when present. Consider alternatives like "question of chance" or "roll of the dice" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

question of chance

This alternative highlights the element of unpredictability and randomness.

roll of the dice

This suggests that the outcome is determined by random chance, similar to gambling.

game of chance

This implies that the situation relies on unpredictable events.

matter of fortune

This alternative emphasizes the role of destiny and unpredictable circumstances.

stroke of luck

This highlights a singular instance of good fortune influencing an outcome.

act of providence

This suggests an outcome determined by divine intervention or fate.

fluke occurrence

This implies an unexpected and unlikely event that affects the result.

random occurrence

This emphasizes the lack of pattern or predictability in the event.

chance event

This alternative stresses the unplanned and accidental nature of the outcome.

coincidence

This emphasizes the seemingly accidental nature of events aligning to create a particular outcome.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as a "matter of luck"?

It means that the outcome is largely determined by chance or fortune, rather than skill, planning, or other controllable factors. The element of unpredictability plays a significant role.

Are there alternative ways to say something is a "matter of luck"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "question of chance", "roll of the dice", or "matter of fortune" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How to avoid overusing the phrase "matter of luck" in writing?

To avoid repetition, diversify your vocabulary by using synonyms like "fluke occurrence", "chance event", or "act of providence" when appropriate.

When is it not appropriate to describe something as a "matter of luck"?

It may not be appropriate when clear skill, effort, or planning are the primary drivers of an outcome. Using it in such cases could downplay the importance of those factors.