Cool MateBest wishes vs Good fortune to you
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Best wishes
Top 2,000 (common)
Good fortune to you
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: Best wishes
| Best wishes | Good fortune to you | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //bɛst ˈwɪʃɪz//🇺🇸 //bɛst ˈwɪʃɪz// | 🇬🇧 //ɡʊd ˈfɔːtʃuːn tə juː//🇺🇸 //ɡʊd ˈfɔrʧən tə ju// |
| Meaning | A way to say good luck or express hope for someone's happiness. | I wish you luck and happiness. |
| 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. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less 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 |
| 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. |
| 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. |
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Frequently asked questions: Best wishes vs Good fortune to you
What's the difference between Best wishes and Good fortune to you?
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.
Which is more common: Best wishes and Good fortune to you?
Best wishes 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.
Can I use Best wishes and Good fortune to you interchangeably?
Not always. Best wishes and Good fortune to you 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.