we got lucky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we got lucky" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that a fortunate outcome occurred by chance or without planning. Example: "We were behind in the game, but we got lucky and scored the winning goal in the last minute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We got lucky".

The New York Times

Tonight we got lucky.

The New York Times - Sports

"But we got lucky".

The New York Times

Again, we got lucky.

The Guardian - Travel

We got lucky there".

The New York Times - Sports

We got lucky; they didn't.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We got lucky," David Pinciss.

The Washington Post

"We got lucky," Guthrie said.

The New York Times - Sports

In many ways, "we got lucky.

Harvard University

We got lucky and we won it".

The New York Times - Sports

"We got lucky," Mr. Harris said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we got lucky", be mindful of the context and audience. While generally acceptable, it might not be appropriate in formal reports where a more analytical explanation is expected.

Common error

Avoid attributing all success solely to luck. Acknowledging effort and strategy alongside luck provides a more balanced and credible narrative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we got lucky" functions as an idiomatic expression to convey that a positive outcome occurred primarily due to chance or good fortune. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The examples in Ludwig show the phrase used in a variety of contexts, from sports to business.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we got lucky" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express that a positive outcome was largely due to chance. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across varied contexts like news, sports, and even academia. While acceptable in many situations, it's essential to consider the audience and context, opting for more formal alternatives like "we were fortunate" in formal settings. Acknowledging the balance between luck and effort ensures a well-rounded narrative. The phrase's pervasiveness in reputable sources underscores its reliability and universal understanding, making it a useful addition to one's vocabulary for describing fortunate events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we lucked out

An informal way to say that something good happened by chance.

we had a stroke of luck

Emphasizes the element of chance and unexpected good fortune.

we were fortunate

Highlights the favorable outcome, focusing on being in a lucky position.

we benefited from good fortune

Stresses the positive outcome resulting from luck.

we caught a break

Suggests a sudden and favorable turn of events, often in overcoming a challenge.

we chanced upon success

Highlights that the success happened unexpectedly or without planning.

we had lady luck on our side

Personifies luck as a benevolent force aiding in the outcome.

we were blessed

Implies divine favor or a particularly fortunate circumstance.

we dodged a bullet

Indicates narrowly avoiding a negative outcome or disaster.

we scraped by

Suggests barely managing to succeed, often implying difficulty.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "we got lucky"?

You can use alternatives like "we were fortunate", "we had a stroke of luck", or "we lucked out" depending on the context.

Is "we got lucky" appropriate for formal writing?

While "we got lucky" is widely understood, it might be perceived as informal. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "we were fortunate" or "the outcome was favorable" for a more professional tone.

How to use "we got lucky" in a sentence?

"We got lucky" is typically used to express that a positive outcome occurred due to chance or good fortune. For example, "We were behind, but "we got lucky" and scored the winning goal at the last minute."

What's the difference between "we got lucky" and "we succeeded"?

"We got lucky" implies that chance played a significant role in the positive outcome, while "we succeeded" suggests that the outcome was primarily due to effort, skill, or strategy. You can use both together depending on the specific situation, like "We worked hard, but "we got lucky" with the weather."