How to say it · Kind words

Wishing someone well

A friend has an exam, a show or a hard day ahead, or someone is leaving. "I wish you good luck" is correct, but it sounds like a speech, not a friend.

6 ways to say it

At the school gate on exam morning, Jo crouches beside Leo with her fingers crossed, a four-leaf clover above him.

How heartfeltLightHeartfelt

Good luckbest default Fingers crossedhoping together Break a legfor performers Hope it goes wellgentle and caring All the bestgoodbyes and cards I'll be thinking of youreally caring

Way 1 · best default

Good luck

Short and natural before any test, interview or challenge. Add "with" for the thing.

How heartfeltLight

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Good luck with your interview tomorrow!

Good luck today, let me know how it goes.

In a conversation

A: My driving test is at nine.
B: Good luck! You'll be fine.

Common mistake

Not: ~~I wish you good~~ luck in your ~~exam.~~

Say: Good luck in your exam!

"I wish you" makes it sound formal and stiff, like a speech. Friends just say "Good luck!"

Practice saying this

Next: Fingers crossed

Way 2 · hoping together

Fingers crossed

You're hoping with them, often for results or news they're waiting for.

How heartfeltVery light

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

Results come out Friday? Fingers crossed for you!

Fingers crossed the weather holds for your wedding.

In a conversation

A: I'll hear back about the flat tomorrow.
B: Ooh, fingers crossed!

Practice saying this

Next: Break a leg

Way 3 · for performers

Break a leg

A fun way to say good luck before a show, concert or performance. It doesn't mean anything bad!

How heartfeltLight

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

Break a leg tonight, we'll be in the second row.

Is your play this weekend? Break a leg!

Practice saying this

Next: Hope it goes well

Way 4 · gentle and caring

Hope it goes well

Softer than good luck. Good for things that need more than luck, like a doctor's visit or a big talk.

How heartfeltMiddle

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Use itAnywhere

Examples

Hope it goes well at the hospital today.

Hope it goes well with your landlord. Text me after.

In a conversation

A: I'm finally talking to my boss about a pay rise.
B: Hope it goes well. You deserve it.

Practice saying this

Next: All the best

Way 5 · goodbyes and cards

All the best

A warm wish for the future, often when someone leaves a job or starts a new chapter.

How heartfeltHeartfelt

ToneNeutral

Use itAt work

Examples

All the best in your new job, we'll miss you.

Wishing you all the best for the move to Sydney.

Common mistake

Not: ~~Wish you happy and success!~~

Say: All the best!

"Wish you happy" isn't natural English. Say "All the best", or a full line like "I hope you'll be really happy there".

Practice saying this

Next: I'll be thinking of you

Way 6 · really caring

I'll be thinking of you

For a hard or serious day, like an operation or a funeral. It says you're with them.

How heartfeltVery heartfelt

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

I'll be thinking of you on Thursday. Call me after.

Good luck with the operation. I'll be thinking of you.

In a conversation

A: Mum's surgery is tomorrow morning.
B: Oh, I'll be thinking of you both. Let me know how she is.

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which would you say?

Pick the right one

Which would you say?

Read the moment, then choose the way that fits it best.

Now say it out loud

Pick one and practise it in a real conversation. Save the ones you want to remember.

Good luck Fingers crossed Break a leg Hope it goes well

Which would you say?

Now say it out loud

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