ounce of luck

USAGE SUMMARY

"ounce of luck" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea that someone needs a small amount of luck to be successful in achieving what they are attempting. For example, "He really needs an ounce of luck if he is going to make it to the finish line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"We'll take every ounce of luck that comes our way," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

Determination But they will need ingenuity, determination and every ounce of luck to succeed.

The Guardian - Business

"We just needed an ounce of luck," said his coach Tony Rae.

The Guardian - Sport

"If we get an ounce of luck and if we are more disciplined, we have a semblance of a good footy team".

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

A Best of luck.

The New York Times

Best of luck, man.

The New Yorker

Best of luck, chaps.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Best of luck, Gerald.

The New Yorker

(Best of luck, fellas).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "ounce of luck", consider the context and ensure that it appropriately conveys the idea of needing a small but significant amount of good fortune. Avoid using it in situations where a larger or more guaranteed outcome is necessary.

Common error

Don't overestimate the power of an "ounce of luck". This phrase implies a small amount of good fortune is needed, so avoid using it when a situation requires substantial effort, skill, or guaranteed outcomes. An "ounce of luck" is supplemental, not foundational.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ounce of luck" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI indicates it's used when expressing that a small amount of good fortune is required for success. It describes the quantity of luck.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ounce of luck" is a grammatically sound and usable noun phrase that suggests a need for a small amount of good fortune. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage in scenarios where success hinges on a bit of serendipity. While its frequency is rare, it appears most commonly in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure it aligns with the context, indicating a small but potentially crucial element of luck, and not a replacement for skill or hard work. Alternatives such as "bit of fortune" and "stroke of good luck" offer similar nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit of fortune

Replaces "luck" with "fortune" and uses "bit" instead of "ounce" to indicate a small quantity.

a stroke of good luck

Replaces "ounce" with "stroke", implying a sudden instance of good fortune.

a spot of luck

Uses "spot" instead of "ounce" to denote a small, localized amount of luck.

a grain of luck

Uses "grain" instead of "ounce" to emphasize the smallness of the required luck.

a touch of luck

Employs "touch" to suggest a subtle or delicate amount of luck.

a small measure of luck

Replaces "ounce" with "small measure" to provide a more descriptive indication of quantity.

a modicum of fortune

Substitutes "ounce" with the more formal "modicum" and "luck" with "fortune".

a hint of luck

Uses "hint" to indicate a subtle and barely perceptible amount of luck.

a shred of luck

Replaces "ounce" with "shred" to describe a minimal amount of luck.

a sliver of luck

Employs "sliver" to denote a thin, narrow piece of luck.

FAQs

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

You can use "ounce of luck" to indicate that someone needs a small amount of good fortune to succeed. For example, "He'll need every "ounce of luck" he can get to win this game."

What's a similar phrase to "ounce of luck"?

Alternatives include "bit of fortune", "stroke of good luck", or "spot of luck", each emphasizing a small, but significant, amount of good fortune.

Is "ounce of luck" a formal or informal expression?

"Ounce of luck" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both informal and some formal contexts, though more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "modicum of fortune".

When is it inappropriate to use "ounce of luck"?

Avoid using "ounce of luck" when the situation requires substantial effort, skill, or guaranteed outcomes. It's best suited for scenarios where a small amount of good fortune could make a significant difference.