stroke of fate

USAGE SUMMARY

"stroke of fate" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that happened unexpectedly and may have significant consequences, usually of a negative nature. For example: "When Sarah lost her job, it seemed like a stroke of fate at the time, but it eventually led her to a better position with more responsibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

As if the opening night schedule made months in advance was some stroke of fate.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think it is an incredible stroke of fate that he had that experience.

The Guardian - Books

By some stroke of fate, Lamptey was born in the city of Tema, and so was Adu.

The New York Times - Sports

A few years later, when I was in my second year of nursing school, a strange stroke of fate brought us together again.

The New Yorker

He is a ruthless gangster who gets what is coming to him; she is a woman turned by a stroke of fate from mousy waitress into tragic heroine defining herself resolutely and disastrously in extreme circumstances.

The Guardian - Film

Pozzi's death at the height of her sinful splendor was a stroke of fate so clearly in tune with the traditional imagery that it sent shivers of emotion through the whole country.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Then, a stroke of luck, fate or prayers being answered.

Huffington Post

Too many broad, convenient, Lena-friendly strokes of fate shape the book's final pages.

The New York Times - Books

Kieslowski's skeptical, open-ended vision suggests that the answers can be intuited only from riddles, signs, portents and sudden, odd strokes of fate.

The New York Times

The Mahler work is both a four-movement symphony in the classical tradition and a volatile outpouring filled with evocations of pastoral scenes (complete with cowbells), the murky cosmos, distant churchly chorales and, by the end, pummeling strokes of fate.

The New York Times - Arts

Wit, charm, brilliance, rapture, personal crisis and a few strokes of fate are all wrapped up together in an extraordinary parcel, wonderfully right for Stravinsky's "Dumbarton Oaks" concerto.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stroke of fate" to describe a significant event, often with unforeseen or unintended consequences. The phrase implies that the event was beyond human control.

Common error

Avoid using "stroke of fate" when the event is clearly the result of direct actions or decisions. The phrase is most effective when highlighting events that seem to arise from pure chance or external forces.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stroke of fate" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used in written English. It describes an event that occurs unexpectedly and has considerable consequences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stroke of fate" is a noun phrase used to describe an unexpected event, often implying a lack of control over the outcome. Ludwig's AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in written English. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, it's best to describe significant occurrences that seem beyond human control and not events resulting from deliberate actions. Alternatives like "twist of fate" or "act of destiny" can be used to add subtle nuances to the description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

twist of fate

Emphasizes the unexpected and often ironic nature of the event.

act of destiny

Suggests that the event was predetermined and inevitable.

quirk of destiny

Implies the event is peculiar and deviates from the norm.

fluke occurrence

Highlights the randomness and lack of predictability.

chance happening

Focuses on the accidental and unplanned nature of the event.

chance event

Synonymous with a random, unplanned occurrence.

unexpected turn

Highlights the element of surprise and change of direction.

unforeseen circumstance

Emphasizes the element of not being anticipated or predicted.

random incident

Underscores the lack of intent or pattern.

bit of serendipity

Conveys a fortunate and unplanned event.

FAQs

How can I use "stroke of fate" in a sentence?

Use "stroke of fate" to describe an unexpected event that significantly alters a situation, often implying a lack of control over the outcome. For example: "Losing his job seemed like a "stroke of fate", but it led him to start his own successful business."

What can I say instead of "stroke of fate"?

You can use alternatives like "twist of fate", "act of destiny", or "chance happening" depending on the context.

Is "stroke of fate" always negative?

While often used to describe negative or unfortunate events, "stroke of fate" can also refer to positive or serendipitous occurrences, though this is less common. The key is the unexpected and impactful nature of the event.

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

"Stroke of fate" implies an event with significant and often uncontrollable consequences, while "stroke of luck" specifically refers to a fortunate and beneficial event.