relied on luck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relied on luck" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing situations where success or outcomes were dependent on chance rather than skill or planning. Example: "In the game, I relied on luck to win, as I had no strategy to follow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Couples who have succeeded in combining a happy marriage with two physics careers have had to work hard at it, and have often relied on luck, e-mail and lateral thinking.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This one admittedly relies on luck or judgement.

The Guardian - Money

Whatever the solution, there needs to be one, because the sport cannot keep relying on luck, or allowing politics to get in the way of what matters.

BBC

Don't rely on luck.

The New York Times

Either that or rely on luck and brute strength.

The Guardian - Tech

Even successful boomerangers rely on luck as well as on talent.

The New Yorker

We were lucky, but there's no need to rely on luck.

The New York Times

So, relying on luck and good humor, that is what the newspaper did.

The New York Times

Spend $4 million on a horse, as Sekiguchi did, and you rely on luck?

The New York Times - Sports

"And we're forced to rely on luck as a means of getting a good education".

The New York Times

But none of our families should have to rely on luck alone".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "relied on luck" when you want to emphasize that the outcome was determined more by chance than by skill, effort, or planning. For instance, in games or unpredictable situations.

Common error

Avoid using "relied on luck" when skill or strategy played a significant role in the outcome. It's not appropriate to say someone "relied on luck" if their success was primarily due to their expertise and hard work.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relied on luck" functions as a verb phrase indicating dependence on chance or fortune rather than skill or effort. Ludwig AI's analysis, based on the provided examples, confirms this is a common and grammatically sound construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

14%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relied on luck" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express dependence on chance rather than skill or planning. Ludwig AI's assessment confirms its validity and common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While acceptable in a wide range of situations, it is important to avoid using it when skill or strategy significantly influenced the outcome. Alternatives like "depended on chance" or "counted on fortune" can be used for nuanced expression. Remember to choose the phrase that best reflects the actual circumstances being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depended on chance

Emphasizes the element of chance rather than a deliberate action.

counted on fortune

Highlights the role of good fortune or fate.

trusted to fate

Focuses on surrendering control to destiny or fate.

left it to chance

Suggests a deliberate decision to allow chance to determine the outcome.

gambled on serendipity

Implies a risk taken with the hope of a fortunate coincidence.

took a chance

A more general term for relying on luck, applicable in various situations.

risked it

Indicates that a risky action was performed hoping that luck would ensure a positive outcome.

banked on good fortune

Emphasizes the expectation of a positive outcome due to luck.

put faith in destiny

Suggests a belief that the outcome is predetermined and cannot be influenced.

hoped for a miracle

Highlights the unlikely nature of success and the need for a miraculous intervention.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "relied on luck" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "depended on chance", "counted on fortune", or "left it to chance" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "depended on luck" or "relied on luck"?

Both "relied on luck" and "depended on luck" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "relied on luck"?

It's inappropriate to use "relied on luck" when describing situations where success was primarily due to skill, strategy, or planning. This phrase suggests that chance, rather than effort, was the main factor.

What is the difference between "relied on luck" and "hoped for the best"?

"Relied on luck" implies a dependence on chance without specific actions to influence the outcome, whereas "hoped for the best" suggests a more passive expectation that things will turn out favorably, possibly despite unfavorable circumstances.