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Laborious Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

fortunately = luckily and unfortunately = unluckily

Dear members of the forum,

Is there any difference between fortunately and luckily, and unfortunately and unluckily? Could you please explain to me what it's if there is any?

Here is an example:
- Roger came home drunk, but fortunately, his mother didn't see him entering his room. (could I say 'luckily' as well here?)

Another one with 'unfortunately':
- They tried hard to win the match, but unfortunately, couldn't win. (Would it also be correct if I said 'unluckily' in place of 'unfortunately'?)

Thank you.
  

Top answer

Laborious Is there any difference between fortunately and luckily, and unfortunately and unluckily? I can think of none. The former (of each pair) are more formal, perhaps.

— Mister Micawber

  • Laborious Is there any difference between fortunately and luckily, and unfortunately and unluckily?
  • I can think of none.
  • The former (of each pair) are more formal, perhaps.
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3 Answers
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LaboriousIs there any difference between fortunately and luckily, and unfortunately and unluckily?
I can think of none. The former (of each pair) are more formal, perhaps.
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Thank you for your reply, Mr. Micawber.
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I think it's all a question of root: Luckily is of Germanic origin and Fortunately of Latin origin. Enough = Germanic, and sufficient = Latin, unsderstand = Germanic and comprehend Latin, this is what makes the English language rich, because of thos French words. But beware of false friends ( like actually is not actuellement, even though they look alike, currently is not couramment etc! I'm sure
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