finally got a chance to do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "finally got a chance to do" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that you have been waiting for an opportunity to do something and it has now arrived. Example: "After months of planning, I finally got a chance to do the presentation I had been preparing for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

That was a big event in my life, because I was very passionate about placing women in leadership positions, and I finally got a chance to do so.

The New York Times

We finally got a chance to do exactly what it is I've always wanted to do.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I never got a chance to do that.

The New York Times

"I've had to do some late-night rewriting of Ma's recipes when she finally got a chance to look the page over".

The New York Times - Tech

We finally got a chance to display it".

The New York Times - Sports

He finally got a chance to carry the ball as a senior.

The New York Times

When they finally got a chance to play, the match drew crowds.

Wikipedia

You don't really get a chance to do that.

The New York Times

"We knew we'd get a chance to do radio".

The New York Times

I get a chance to do more things.

The New York Times

I don't even know that I completely understand the novel," he says when he finally gets a chance to speak at a school-board meeting.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "finally got a chance to do" to express relief and satisfaction when an anticipated opportunity materializes. It effectively conveys the sense of overcoming obstacles or delays.

Common error

Avoid using "finally got a chance to do" when the action was simply a matter of scheduling, not overcoming a genuine barrier. This phrase is most impactful when conveying a sense of anticipation and delayed gratification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "finally got a chance to do" functions as a verbal phrase expressing the realization of an opportunity. It indicates that a previously unavailable action or experience has become possible, signifying the end of a waiting period or the overcoming of obstacles. Ludwig shows the usage in real sentences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "finally got a chance to do" is a grammatically sound and acceptably common expression signifying the fulfillment of a long-awaited opportunity. It suggests overcoming obstacles or delays, eliciting feelings of relief and satisfaction. While versatile, its register leans towards neutral, being highly common in News & Media contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase appropriately conveys the realization of a previously unavailable action. For formal settings, consider alternatives such as "finally had the opportunity to" for a more polished tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finally had the opportunity to do

Replaces "chance" with "opportunity", emphasizing the availability of circumstances.

ultimately got the opportunity to do

Similar to 'finally had the opportunity', but emphasizes the finality of the event.

finally was able to do

Highlights the ability to perform the action, which was previously lacking.

eventually managed to do

Focuses on the successful completion of an action after a period of time or difficulty.

at long last got to do

Adds emphasis on the length of time spent waiting for the opportunity.

after much waiting, could finally do

Explicitly mentions the waiting period before the action.

succeeded in doing at last

Emphasizes the successful outcome and the conclusion of a waiting period.

finally achieved the possibility of doing

Highlights the achievement of a condition that enables the action.

reached a point where I could finally do

Focuses on reaching a specific stage or condition that allows the action.

the moment arrived when I could do

Emphasizes the arrival of the precise moment when the action became possible.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "finally got a chance to do" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "finally had the opportunity to" or "eventually managed to". These alternatives convey a similar meaning but with a more sophisticated vocabulary.

What does "finally got a chance to do" imply about the situation?

It suggests that there was a period of waiting or a set of obstacles that prevented the action from happening sooner. The "finally" emphasizes the sense of relief and satisfaction in being able to do it now.

Is it correct to say "finally got an opportunity to do" instead of "finally got a chance to do"?

Yes, "finally got an opportunity to" is grammatically correct and conveys essentially the same meaning. The choice between "chance" and "opportunity" often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

Can I use "finally got a chance to do" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, it may be perceived as somewhat informal for academic writing. Depending on the specific context and field, consider using more formal alternatives such as "finally had the opportunity to" or "was eventually able to".