we only got

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we only got" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a limitation or a specific amount of something that was received or obtained. Example: "After the event, we only got a few responses from the attendees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

We only got 50 left.

The New York Times - Sports

"We only got one nudist," Roth said.

The New Yorker

We only got colour television in 1978.

Independent

"We only got here today".

The New York Times

PRISONER 2: We only got three months left anyway.

The New Yorker

Said why have we only got casuals in the window?

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

He warned:  "We only get one planet.

Independent

We only get one life.

The Guardian - Money

"We only get the crumbs.

The New York Times

The problem is very difficult and we only get some partial answers.

Discrete Applied Mathematics

"We only get money if we're at the factory.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we only got" when you want to emphasize that the amount or result was less than expected or desired. It implies a sense of limitation or disappointment.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid using "we only got" in highly formal or professional documents. Opt for more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "we received only" or "we obtained just" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we only got" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the attainment of something in a limited quantity or to a limited degree. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Examples show it expressing disappointment or limitation in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we only got" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing a limited outcome or quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is generally acceptable in English. While suitable for various contexts, from informal conversations to news reporting, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives in professional writing. Remember to use it when you want to emphasize a sense of limitation or disappointment, and be mindful of the tone you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we received only

Focuses on the act of receiving and emphasizes the limited quantity.

we were only given

Highlights the act of being given something, again stressing the limitation.

all we obtained was

Emphasizes the effort to obtain something, contrasting with the limited result.

we ended up with only

Indicates a final result after a process, with a focus on the limited outcome.

the only thing we secured was

Highlights the securing of something, but emphasizing how little was secured.

we merely acquired

Stresses the simple act of acquiring something, underlining the lack of effort or significance.

we managed to get only

Focuses on the effort involved in getting something, emphasizing the limited success.

we were able to obtain just

Highlights ability and attainment, but coupled with a limited quantity.

we didn't get more than

Directly states the lack of receiving more than a certain amount.

our yield was only

Specifically used when referring to harvest or results of a process, indicating a limited output.

FAQs

How can I use "we only got" in a sentence?

You can use "we only got" to express that the amount or result achieved was limited. For example, "We worked hard on the project, but "we only got" a passing grade".

What phrases can I use instead of "we only got"?

Alternatives to "we only got" include "we received only", "we obtained just", or "we were given only", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "we only got"?

Yes, "we only got" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English. However, be mindful of the formality of the context, as it might be more appropriate to use a more formal alternative in certain situations.

What is the difference between "we only got" and "we just received"?

"We only got" emphasizes the limited quantity or result, whereas "we just received" simply states the recent act of receiving without necessarily implying a limitation. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the limitation or the act of receiving.