Cool MateBest wishes vs Good fortune to you vs Good luck
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Best wishes
Good fortune to you
Good luck
| Best wishes | Good fortune to you | Good luck | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //bɛst ˈwɪʃɪz//🇺🇸 //bɛst ˈwɪʃɪz// | 🇬🇧 //ɡʊd ˈfɔːtʃuːn tə juː//🇺🇸 //ɡʊd ˈfɔrʧən tə ju// | 🇬🇧 //ɡʊd lʌk//🇺🇸 //ɡʊd lʌk// |
| Meaning | A way to say good luck or express hope for someone's happiness. | I wish you luck and happiness. | I hope you succeed or have a good outcome. |
| Example | Thank you for your support, and best wishes for your future endeavors. | As you start your new job, I just want to say, good fortune to you. | I know you have a big presentation today, so good luck! |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| Collocations | send best wishes, best wishes for, give best wishes | wish you good fortune, good fortune awaits, have good fortune, bring good fortune, give good fortune | wish good luck, send good luck, give good luck |
| Antonyms | - | - | bad luck, misfortune, ill fortune, unluckiness |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'best wishes to you' which is less common., Using it in overly formal settings where something else is preferred., Not capitalizing the phrase when used at the beginning of a note. | Using 'good luck to you' instead., Confusing with 'good luck with you' which is incorrect., Forgetting the context; too formal for close friends. | Used inappropriately in formal situations., Confused with 'good lucking' which is incorrect. |
| Usage notes | Use 'best wishes' in friendly or formal contexts. It’s appropriate in letters, cards, or when wishing someone well. Avoid in very casual settings. | Use this phrase to express well-wishing, suitable in both formal and casual situations. Avoid in very informal settings. | Commonly used to wish someone success. Suitable for various contexts but avoid in formal settings like job interviews. |
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Frequently asked questions: Best wishes vs Good fortune to you vs Good luck
What's the difference between Best wishes, Good fortune to you, and Good luck?
Best wishes: A way to say good luck or express hope for someone's happiness. Good fortune to you: I wish you luck and happiness. Good luck: I hope you succeed or have a good outcome.
Which is more common: Best wishes, Good fortune to you, and Good luck?
Good luck is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Best wishes: Thank you for your support, and best wishes for your future endeavors. Good fortune to you: As you start your new job, I just want to say, good fortune to you. Good luck: I know you have a big presentation today, so good luck!
Can I use Best wishes, Good fortune to you, and Good luck interchangeably?
Not always. Best wishes, Good fortune to you, and Good luck are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.