string of bad luck

USAGE SUMMARY

"string of bad luck" is a valid phrase that can be used in written English.
Example sentence: I've been having a string of bad luck lately; I lost my keys, my car got a flat tire, and I even got a ticket on my way home.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

This isn't just a string of bad luck.

The New York Times

Soon after, the Glavins hit a string of bad luck and left Ireland.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's been a string of bad luck for them, almost Kafkaesque bad luck".

The New York Times - Sports

Other than their economic woes, New Zealand shipyards have had a string of bad luck over the past few years.

The New York Times

Cesar talked about how a string of bad luck had led him to self-help, therapy, and prayer.

The New Yorker

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y., Dec. 9 - Lance Legree cannot pinpoint what prompted his string of bad luck during the past two seasons.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Museum Hack translated the archeological string-of-bad-luck curse into "bad things happen to dig people".

Huffington Post

Strings of bad luck had left some unemployed.

The New York Times

Historically, demonic possessions have been used to diagnose mental or physical illnesses and even strings of bad luck.

Vice

"I feel," he says, "like I've come out of a string of… oh my God, I've got to be careful what I say, but… a string of bad-luck movies.

Independent

Bit of bad luck, Hoggard.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "string of bad luck" to describe a series of related unfortunate events rather than isolated incidents. This emphasizes the interconnectedness and accumulation of misfortune.

Common error

Avoid using "string of bad luck" to describe a single, isolated instance of misfortune. This phrase implies a pattern or sequence of related negative occurrences. Instead, reserve it for situations where multiple unfortunate events have occurred in succession.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "string of bad luck" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a period marked by multiple unfortunate incidents. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "string of bad luck" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a series of unfortunate events. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, supported by numerous examples from reliable sources like The New York Times, The Economist, and The Guardian. It is often used in news and media contexts to explain or empathize with situations marked by multiple negative occurrences. While alternatives like "series of unfortunate events" or "streak of bad luck" exist, the phrase "string of bad luck" effectively conveys the idea of interconnected and accumulating misfortunes. Remember to use it when describing a pattern of unfortunate events, rather than an isolated instance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

series of unfortunate events

This alternative emphasizes a sequence of negative occurrences.

run of misfortune

This implies a period marked by unfavorable circumstances.

bout of ill luck

This suggests a temporary phase of bad fortune.

spell of adversity

This alternative highlights a time of hardship and challenges.

patch of tough breaks

This suggests a period of unlucky incidents or setbacks.

succession of mishaps

This emphasizes a sequence of unfortunate accidents or mistakes.

chain of calamities

This highlights a series of disasters or tragic events.

streak of unfavorable circumstances

This alternative refers to continuous conditions that lead to negative outcomes.

cycle of misfortune

This alternative suggests a repeating pattern of bad luck.

wave of difficult times

This highlights a period overwhelmed by hardship.

FAQs

How can I use "string of bad luck" in a sentence?

You can use "string of bad luck" to describe a series of unfortunate events that happen to someone or something. For example, "The team's "string of bad luck" continued with another injury during the game".

What's a more formal alternative to "string of bad luck"?

While "string of bad luck" is suitable for many contexts, more formal alternatives include "series of unfortunate events" or "succession of mishaps". These alternatives maintain a similar meaning while sounding more professional.

Is it correct to say "streak of bad luck" instead of "string of bad luck"?

Yes, "streak of bad luck" is a perfectly acceptable alternative. Both phrases convey the same meaning of experiencing a period of misfortune.

What's the difference between "string of bad luck" and "stroke of bad luck"?

A "stroke of bad luck" refers to a single instance of misfortune, while "string of bad luck" describes a series or sequence of unfortunate events. The former is singular, the latter is plural and ongoing.