stroke of fortune

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stroke of fortune" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected piece of good luck or a fortunate event that occurs by chance. Example: "Winning the lottery was a stroke of fortune that changed her life forever."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Culture

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

"That's the stroke of fortune".

The New York Times

"It was a massive stroke of fortune," he said.

The Guardian - Opinion

– he searches for a big enough word – "a massive stroke of fortune.

The Guardian

Immediately he had started on the train for Joliet, Ohio, and by a rare stroke of fortune the book had been put in his hands.

The New Yorker

There was a stroke of fortune to Harry Wilson putting Derby ahead with what looked a cross rather than shot; it came off Jutkiewicz.

The Guardian - Sport

The mathematical reality is that fans could get very old, very hoarse, very frustrated waiting for the same Powerball stroke of fortune to strike their local plodders.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

His career has certainly been marked by strokes of fortune.

The New York Times

By several strokes of fortune (some say genius; others say ruthlessness) he found himself owning Christian Dior and then, in 1987, being invited to "save" the recently merged handbags and luxury drinks company LVMH.

Independent

Guinness has long been obsessed, she says, with the whims of fate: how small choices, chance encounters, and strokes of fortune can alter the course of a life or determine our existence".If my mum's great-great-grandparents hadn't sent off their only son because they couldn't feed him, they would have perished.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He was given two strokes of fortune.

BBC

Flannery O'Connor, 'A Stroke of Good Fortune' 33.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stroke of fortune" to describe situations where luck played a significant role in a positive outcome. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but avoid overuse in highly formal or scientific writing where more precise language may be preferred.

Common error

Avoid implying that success was only due to a "stroke of fortune" when hard work or skill also contributed. Acknowledge other factors to provide a balanced and accurate portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stroke of fortune" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes an instance of unexpected good luck or a fortunate occurrence. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is both correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Sport

10%

Culture

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stroke of fortune" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe an unexpected or fortunate event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While "stroke of fortune" implies a positive outcome due to chance, it's important not to attribute success solely to luck, as skill and hard work often play a role too. Related phrases like "lucky break" or "windfall" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lucky break

Focuses on the sudden and unexpected nature of the good fortune.

fortunate turn of events

Indicates a positive shift in circumstances due to luck.

piece of luck

A simpler way to express the occurrence of good luck.

fluke

Highlights the accidental or unintentional aspect of the fortunate event.

windfall

Emphasizes the unexpected and often substantial nature of the good fortune.

happy accident

Focuses on the unplanned and positive outcome of an event.

serendipity

Implies that the good fortune was found by chance in a happy or beneficial way.

godsend

Suggests that the good fortune is a divine or providential gift.

chance occurrence

Emphasizes the role of randomness in the fortunate event.

act of Providence

Similar to "godsend", it attributes the fortune to divine intervention.

FAQs

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

You can use "stroke of fortune" to describe an unexpected good luck or a fortunate event that occurs by chance. For example, "Winning the lottery was a stroke of fortune that changed her life forever."

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

You can use alternatives like "lucky break", "windfall", or "fortunate turn of events" depending on the context.

Is it more common to say "stroke of luck" or "stroke of fortune"?

Both "stroke of luck" and "stroke of fortune" are common, but "stroke of fortune" might imply a slightly larger or more significant lucky event.

What is the difference between "stroke of luck" and "fluke"?

While both imply chance, "stroke of luck" generally suggests a positive outcome. A "fluke" implies a chance event that is unlikely to be repeated, which can be either positive or negative but generally carries a sense of randomness or accident.