finally we sat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "finally we sat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that after a series of events or actions, the speaker and others have settled down or taken a seat. Example: "After a long day of hiking, finally we sat by the campfire to relax and enjoy the evening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Finally, we sat.

The New Yorker

Finally, we sat down to eat.

The New Yorker

Finally, we sat down on a bench facing Bishopsgate Street.

The New York Times - Arts

On this went, back and forth, until finally we sat on a bench took off a boot and switched.

The New York Times

Finally, we sat down with Dave Cole (NextVR) and Shanna Tellerman (Modsy) for a VR-focused panel.

TechCrunch

Finally, we sat down to discuss his situation.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

So there, finally, we all sat.

Huffington Post

The day finally came when "we sat in front of the computer and... really looked at this amazing structure after 5 years of efforts and lots of discussions," Ban recalls.

Science Magazine

The finished product is finally here, and we sat down with Moon to discuss how the Girl Sex 101 changed and evolved, as well as what we can expect from this sex education resource.

Huffington Post

We finally boarded, but then we sat on the runway for another hour because we couldn't take off because of the backup at Heathrow.

The New York Times

Finally, he left, and we sat there for a minute, trying to decide if we wanted to keep at it.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "finally we sat" to clearly indicate the end of a period of activity or anticipation, and the beginning of a more relaxed or settled state. This phrasing works well when describing a sequence of events where sitting down marks a significant transition.

Common error

Avoid using "finally we sat" if the intention is not to emphasize a delay or a sense of relief after a period of activity. If there was no prior activity or anticipation, a simpler phrase like "we sat down" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "finally we sat" functions as a narrative device to indicate the conclusion of a preceding activity or wait. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable. It often introduces a moment of rest or transition.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "finally we sat" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to indicate settling down after a period of activity or anticipation. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is generally correct and usable. It's commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts, signaling a shift in state or activity. While versatile, it's best used when emphasizing the delay or relief associated with the act of sitting. Consider alternatives like "at last we were seated" for a more formal tone, or simply "we sat down" if the emphasis on delay is unnecessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at last we were seated

Replaces "finally" with "at last" and uses the passive voice "were seated" for a slightly more formal tone.

eventually we took our seats

Substitutes "finally" with "eventually" and uses "took our seats" to emphasize the action of sitting.

after all that, we sat down

Adds "after all that" to highlight the preceding events, making the act of sitting a relief.

in the end, we sat

Uses "in the end" to convey a sense of conclusion or resolution before sitting.

ultimately we found ourselves sitting

Replaces "finally" with "ultimately" and adds "found ourselves sitting" for a slightly more descriptive feel.

we settled down at last

Uses "settled down" to imply a sense of relaxation and uses "at last" to mean the action happens after sometime.

we were finally able to sit

Emphasizes the ability to sit after a period of inability or restriction.

the moment arrived when we sat

Puts the emphasis on the arrival of the moment to sit.

we could finally take a seat

Highlights the action of taking a seat after anticipation or delay.

when all was said and done, we sat

Adds a sense of finality and completion to the action of sitting, implying a conclusion to previous events.

FAQs

How can I use "finally we sat" in a sentence?

The phrase "finally we sat" indicates a moment of settling down after some activity. For example: "After hours of travel, "finally we sat" down to eat."

What phrases are similar to "finally we sat"?

Alternatives include phrases like "at last we were seated", "eventually we took our seats", or "after all that, we sat down", each with slightly different nuances.

Is it always necessary to include "finally" in the phrase?

No, "finally" emphasizes a sense of delay or relief. If there's no such emphasis needed, simply saying "we sat down" is perfectly acceptable and often more concise.

Can "finally we sat" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "finally we sat" can be used in formal writing, but consider if a more elegant or descriptive alternative like "at last we were seated" might be more suitable depending on the specific context and desired tone.