we were able to get

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were able to get" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you successfully acquired something. For example: "We were able to get tickets to the show, so we'll be able to attend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We were able to get him".

The New York Times - Sports

We were able to get Tyson.

The New York Times - Sports

"We were able to get consensus".

The New York Times

"We were able to get to her early.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Fortunately, we were able to get over the hump".

The New York Times

"We were able to get total confirmation," he said.

The New York Times

"I was surprised we were able to get him".

The New York Times - Sports

"We were able to get the budget back under control".

The New York Times

We were able to get hot at the right time.

The New York Times

"We were able to get those runs early.

The New York Times - Sports

"We were able to get inside of this network".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality required by your audience, as alternative phrases may be more appropriate for certain contexts.

Common error

While "we were able to get" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal documents where alternatives like "we secured" or "we attained" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were able to get" functions as a statement of successful acquisition. It communicates that the speaker or group successfully obtained something, often implying that some effort or planning was involved. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

23%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were able to get" is a versatile and widely used phrase to express successful attainment or acquisition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. It's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news reporting and academic writing. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider more formal alternatives like "we secured" or "we attained" for highly formal settings. When choosing between similar expressions, consider whether you want to emphasize the effort or obstacles overcome in achieving the result.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we succeeded in getting

This option highlights the success achieved in obtaining something, emphasizing a positive outcome after effort.

we managed to acquire

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the effort involved in obtaining something.

we secured

Implies obtaining something through effort or competition, often suggesting a sense of protection or guarantee.

we were successful in obtaining

This phrase is more formal and places emphasis on the successful outcome of obtaining something.

we gained access to

Focuses on obtaining the ability or right to use or see something.

we attained

A more concise and formal alternative, implying the achievement of a goal.

we procured

A formal term indicating the acquisition of something, often through official channels or specific means.

we came by

This is more informal and suggests obtaining something, perhaps by chance or indirectly.

we laid our hands on

This emphasizes the physical act of obtaining something and often suggests a sense of fortune or eagerness.

we picked up

Suggests acquiring something casually or informally, often implying ease or convenience.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we were able to get" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "we secured", "we obtained", or "we acquired". These phrases imply a higher degree of formality and are suitable for professional or academic writing. For example, instead of saying "We were able to get funding for the project", you could say "We "secured funding" for the project".

What's the difference between "we were able to get" and "we got"?

"We got" is a simpler and more direct way of saying that you obtained something. "We were able to get" implies that there was some level of effort, difficulty, or planning involved in obtaining it, suggesting a sense of accomplishment beyond mere acquisition. For example, "We got tickets to the concert" simply states that you obtained the tickets, while "We were able to get tickets to the concert" suggests that the tickets were hard to come by.

Is "we were able to get" appropriate for professional communication?

Yes, "we were able to get" is generally acceptable in professional communication, especially when you want to emphasize that a certain amount of effort was involved in obtaining something. However, in very formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "we secured" or "we attained" for a more polished tone.

When should I use "we managed to get" instead of "we were able to get"?

"We managed to get" and "we were able to get" are quite similar, but "we managed to get" often implies that you overcame some specific challenges or obstacles to achieve the result. "We were able to get" is a more general statement of capability. If there were specific hurdles to overcome, "we managed to get" might be more appropriate.