sheer luck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sheer luck" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to refer to a fortunate turn of events that was very unlikely. For example, "After searching for hours, John finally found his keys--it was sheer luck!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Sheer luck.

The New York Times - Magazine

Or was it sheer luck?

The New York Times - Sports

It's often sheer luck.

The Guardian

I think it's sheer luck.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It was sheer luck - ha ha geddit?

Independent

It's sheer luck we found hydrocarbons.

The Guardian

Such as personal circumstance, culture and sheer luck.

Independent

It was sheer luck that Penguin India published my work.

The New York Times

According to Davies, it was down to "sheer luck".

The Guardian - Film

"I mean, a successful marriage is all about sheer luck.

The New York Times - Tech

By sheer luck, when I was about 13, 14.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sheer luck" to emphasize that a positive outcome was mainly due to chance, rather than skill or planning.

Common error

Avoid attributing everything to "sheer luck" when skill, effort, or planning also played significant roles. Acknowledge other contributing factors for a more balanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheer luck" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes the cause of an event and implies that the outcome was primarily due to chance. Ludwig AI validates this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sheer luck" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe situations where chance plays a dominant role. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to use it judiciously, acknowledging other factors that may contribute to an outcome. Alternatives like "pure chance" or "a fluke" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Remember to avoid overstating the role of luck when skill or effort are also involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pure chance

Emphasizes the absence of any influence other than randomness.

blind luck

Highlights the lack of awareness or intention behind the fortunate outcome.

fluke

Suggests an improbable and unexpected occurrence.

fortunate coincidence

Highlights the simultaneous occurrence of events in a beneficial way.

stroke of luck

Emphasizes the sudden and impactful nature of the good fortune.

happy accident

Indicates that a positive result arose unintentionally.

good fortune

A general term for positive luck or favorable circumstances.

lucky break

Suggests a sudden and advantageous opportunity.

bit of serendipity

Implies a fortunate discovery made by chance.

providential occurrence

Attributes the fortunate event to divine intervention or fate.

FAQs

How can I use "sheer luck" in a sentence?

You can use "sheer luck" to describe a situation where a positive outcome was primarily due to chance. For example, "Finding that rare book in the attic was "sheer luck"."

What are some alternatives to "sheer luck"?

Alternatives to "sheer luck" include "pure chance", "blind luck", or "a fluke". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever inappropriate to use the phrase "sheer luck"?

While "sheer luck" is generally acceptable, avoid using it in situations where it might diminish someone's hard work or talent. For example, attributing a surgeon's successful operation solely to "sheer luck" would be insensitive and inaccurate.

What's the difference between "sheer luck" and "good fortune"?

"Good fortune" is a broader term that encompasses favorable circumstances in general, while "sheer luck" specifically implies that the positive outcome was primarily due to chance. "Good fortune" might include things like being born into a wealthy family; "sheer luck" is more about specific fortunate events.