with some luck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'with some luck' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express hope or optimism, usually when trying something that has an uncertain outcome. For example, "I'm hoping to get a job offer next week with some luck!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But I don't know for sure, and with some luck I'll never find out.

The New York Times

Still, with some luck, Croatia may join the EU in 2012.

The Economist

With some luck the whole will be stronger than the parts, and people will respond.

The New York Times

"We expect to complete it in five years, with some luck," he said.

The New York Times

With some luck and the right approach, search engines will turn up decent information.

The New York Times - Travel

And then, with some luck, it becomes part of the vernacular, he said.

The New York Times

With some luck and help from a few extra goodies, help Mr. Bear get back to the ski resort!

Stanford University

With some luck we are able to get the Hall effect switches, they are cheap and quite reliable.

Cornell University

With some luck and finesse, a supportive conversation with her might nudge her toward seeking the help she needs.

Columbia University

In 2008, it was "Mamma Mia!" In 2015, with some luck, it might be "Jekyll and Hyde".

The New York Times

And they might, with some luck, perseverance, and disquieting directness, help build a more civil political culture going forward.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with some luck" to express a moderate level of hope, acknowledging that the desired outcome is not guaranteed. For stronger certainty, consider alternatives like "assuredly" or "undoubtedly".

Common error

While "with some luck" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal or professional writing. Opt for more confident expressions to project authority and expertise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with some luck" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to express the speaker's hope or expectation that a certain outcome will occur, contingent on favorable circumstances. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with some luck" is a versatile phrase used to express hope and optimism, with Ludwig highlighting its prevalence across various domains. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct, its common usage in News & Media and Academia contexts emphasizes its neutral register. While suitable for many situations, avoid overuse in extremely formal writing. Consider alternatives like "hopefully" or "if all goes well" for nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with any luck

Similar meaning, slightly more informal.

hopefully

A single word alternative, concise and widely used.

if all goes well

Focuses on the successful progression of events.

if things go according to plan

Highlights the reliance on planned actions succeeding.

fingers crossed

An idiomatic expression indicating hope for good luck.

if fortune smiles

More poetic and less common, implying external forces.

given favorable conditions

Emphasizes the need for specific positive circumstances.

god willing

Expresses hope dependent on divine intervention.

circumstances permitting

More formal, indicating reliance on favorable conditions.

in a perfect world

Expresses a desired but possibly unrealistic outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "with some luck" in a sentence?

You can use "with some luck" to express hope for a positive outcome. For example, "With some luck, we'll finish the project on time."

What are some alternatives to "with some luck"?

Alternatives include "hopefully", "if all goes well", or "fingers crossed" depending on the context.

Is "with some luck" formal or informal?

The phrase "with some luck" is generally considered neutral, leaning towards informal. It is suitable for everyday conversation but may be less appropriate in highly formal writing. Consider using more formal alternatives in professional settings.

What does "with some luck" imply about the outcome?

The phrase implies that the outcome is not certain and depends on factors outside of one's direct control. It suggests that a positive result is possible, but not guaranteed.