modicum of luck

USAGE SUMMARY

"modicum of luck" is a grammatically correct phrase that is commonly used in written English.
It means a small amount or a slight bit of luck. Example: "It took a modicum of luck for him to win the lottery." The phrase can be used in any sentence where you want to convey the idea of a small amount of luck being involved in achieving something.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

With a modicum of luck, there's lots up ahead to hold your interest.

The New York Times - Magazine

All he needs is a modicum of luck, a putting stroke that will last him through the long week and a bucketload of self-belief.

The Guardian - Sport

In its "Jeopardy!" project, I.B.M. researchers were tackling a game that requires not only encyclopedic recall, but also the ability to untangle convoluted and often opaque statements, a modicum of luck, and quick, strategic button pressing.

The New York Times

Aided by other robots in orbit and a modicum of luck, the two Mars rovers earlier this year homed in on locales once rich with water.

Science Magazine

Then, when the arch is all in position, including the vital keystone at the top, carefully remove the supporting stones and, with a modicum of luck, the arch will remain standing.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

"And I have to say I think they were unlucky and with a modicum of luck they could have well been in the final and who knows? "They were playing so well they could have really challenged New Zealand.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Best of luck!— POPS  .

The New York Times

Lots of luck.

The New York Times

Best of luck Andy.

The New York Times

Out of luck?

BBC

Best of luck mañana!!!

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modicum of luck" when you want to downplay the role of luck in an outcome, suggesting that other factors were more important. For example, "Achieving success requires hard work and dedication, though a "modicum of luck" can certainly help."

Common error

Avoid using "modicum of luck" to describe situations where luck was clearly the primary factor. This can undermine the phrase's intended purpose of indicating a minor influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modicum of luck" functions as a qualifier, specifying that only a small amount of luck is involved in a given situation. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modicum of luck" signifies a small amount of good fortune, often used to suggest that other factors are more important than chance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and appears primarily in neutral to formal contexts such as news and science. When writing, using "modicum of luck" can help temper expectations or downplay the role of chance. Alternatives include "slight bit of luck" or "small measure of luck". However, it is important to consider other factors more relevant than just only pure luck.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight bit of luck

Replaces "modicum" with "slight bit", emphasizing the small quantity of luck.

small measure of luck

Substitutes "modicum" with "small measure", highlighting the limited extent of luck involved.

touch of good fortune

Replaces "luck" with "good fortune", providing a more formal alternative.

hint of luck

Uses "hint" instead of "modicum" to suggest a subtle presence of luck.

dash of luck

Employs "dash" to convey a minimal and perhaps unexpected element of luck.

degree of serendipity

Replaces "luck" with "serendipity", implying a fortunate accident.

element of chance

Focuses on the "chance" aspect, rather than explicitly stating "luck".

stroke of fortune

Implies a sudden and perhaps unexpected event of good luck.

smidgen of luck

Uses "smidgen" to indicate a very small amount of luck.

iota of luck

Substitutes "modicum" with "iota", which means an extremely small amount.

FAQs

How can I use "modicum of luck" in a sentence?

You can use "modicum of luck" to suggest that a small amount of good fortune played a part in something. For example, "With a "modicum of luck", the project will be completed on time."

What's a synonym for "modicum of luck"?

Alternatives to "modicum of luck" include "slight bit of luck", "small measure of luck", or "touch of good fortune".

Is it appropriate to use "modicum of luck" in formal writing?

Yes, "modicum of luck" is appropriate for formal writing. "Modicum" is a sophisticated word that is suitable for professional and academic contexts.

What is the difference between "modicum of luck" and "a lot of luck"?

"Modicum of luck" implies a small amount of luck, while "a lot of luck" suggests a significant amount. You would use "modicum of luck" when you want to emphasize that other factors were more important than luck.