stroke of serendipity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stroke of serendipity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a fortunate or unexpected occurrence that leads to a positive outcome. Example: "Finding that old photograph in the attic was a stroke of serendipity that brought back so many cherished memories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In a stroke of serendipity, his first playoff game since the Super Bowl will come against the Patriots on Sunday at Gillette Stadium.

The New York Times - Sports

The result was something of a game-changer for Kumar, and he was rewarded with his first Fosters Comedy Award nomination, the news of which was announced on his 30th birthday: another stroke of serendipity, given the show also makes play of his career anxiety on the eve of entering his fourth decade.

Independent

Five months later, a strange stroke of serendipity allowed Gillian to unlock her box.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I wasn't home, because, in one of life's rare strokes of serendipity, I was presiding over the selection committee for London's Newgen at the British Fashion Council, the panel that X-rays young designers for runway-worthiness.

The New York Times

By a stroke of scientific serendipity, they are also, indirectly, lending a hand to oceanographers interested in whales.Ironically, studying the world's largest animals is being made easier thanks to a peculiar sort of telescope designed to detect one of the universe's most elusive known particles.

The Economist

Ghosh renders the polite imprisonment of the Burmese royal family in India and the lush, dangerous atmosphere of teak camps in the Burmese forest with fine detail — a perfect balance for the broad strokes of romance and serendipity that drive the story forward.

The New Yorker

It provided for serendipity, and the history of drug discovery is full of stories of serendipity.

The New Yorker

It had the advantage of serendipity.

The New York Times - Arts

Some innovations are born of serendipity.

The New York Times

There's plenty of serendipity involved.

The Guardian - Opinion

It leaves the impression of serendipity.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stroke of serendipity" when you want to emphasize the unexpected and fortunate nature of an event, especially one that leads to a positive outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "stroke of serendipity" when describing events that are merely planned or expected. The phrase implies an element of surprise and unplanned good fortune.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stroke of serendipity" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies and characterizes a particular instance or event as being the result of unexpected good fortune. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stroke of serendipity" describes an event or situation where unexpected good fortune leads to a positive outcome. Ludwig AI validates that it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in English. Although the phrase is not extremely common, with only a few examples from news sources, it is considered a useful way to highlight the role of luck and chance. For alternative expressions, consider "fortunate accident" or "happy coincidence" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serendipitous event

More directly related to "serendipity" but replaces the "stroke" metaphor.

fortunate accident

Focuses on the accidental nature of the beneficial event.

happy coincidence

Emphasizes the pleasant and coincidental nature of the event.

lucky break

Highlights the luck involved in the positive outcome.

piece of luck

Simple and direct way to express good fortune.

fluke of good fortune

Emphasizes the unexpected and unusual nature of the beneficial event.

chance occurrence

Highlights that the event was unplanned and based on luck.

windfall

Suggests a sudden and unexpected gain or advantage.

godsend

Implies that the fortunate event was particularly timely and helpful.

gift from the gods

More figurative and dramatic, implying a divine source of good fortune.

FAQs

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

You can use "stroke of serendipity" to describe a fortunate and unexpected event. For example: "Landing that job was a real "stroke of serendipity"."

What's a similar phrase to "stroke of serendipity"?

Alternatives include "fortunate accident", "happy coincidence", or "lucky break". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "stroke of serendipity" formal or informal?

It leans towards neutral but can be used in both slightly formal and informal contexts. The key is whether the situation warrants a descriptive phrase about unexpected good fortune.

What does "stroke of serendipity" mean?

It means a sudden and fortunate occurrence that was not planned or expected. It implies that luck played a significant role in a positive outcome.