we were dealt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were dealt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations or circumstances that have been assigned or given to someone, often in a metaphorical sense related to fate or chance. Example: "In life, we are often faced with challenges that we were dealt, and how we respond to them defines our character."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"We're just playing the hand we were dealt.

The New York Times - Sports

How differently did we play the hands we were dealt?

The Guardian - Books

If we were dealt this hand in a poker game, we'd fold.

The New York Times

Ours weren't necessarily easy, but they were ours, the hand we were dealt.

The New York Times

The flight lasted 90 minutes and, again, we were dealt a gesture of kindness.

The New York Times

"They are, as it were, the cards that we were dealt.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

"We were dealing with Audrey Hepburn".

The New York Times

We ignored who we were dealing with.

The New Yorker

"We were dealing with monsters, millionaires.

The New York Times

We were dealing with certainties in Barnet.

The Guardian - Sport

"We were dealing totally in the abstract".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were dealt" to express acceptance of a situation, especially when implying that the circumstances were not chosen or controlled. For example, "Despite the challenges, we chose to make the best of the hand "we were dealt".

Common error

Avoid using "we were dealt" when you actively influenced the outcome or chose the situation. The phrase implies less agency, so if you took deliberate steps, use a phrase like "we handled" or "we managed" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were dealt" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject ('we') received something, typically a situation or circumstance. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is commonly used to describe scenarios where individuals or groups are faced with challenges or opportunities not of their own making.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were dealt" is a common and grammatically sound idiom used to express acceptance of a situation or circumstance, often implying a lack of control over the initial conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is frequently found in news and media contexts, where it serves to convey resilience and determination. When using this phrase, consider whether you want to emphasize passivity or the act of overcoming challenges. Alternatives include "we received" or "we faced", which may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. By understanding its connotations and usage patterns, writers can effectively use "we were dealt" to add depth and nuance to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we received

Focuses on the act of getting something, removing the implication of chance or inevitability.

we were given

Similar to "we received", but emphasizes the act of someone providing something.

we inherited

Suggests receiving something from a predecessor or a previous situation.

we were assigned

Implies a formal allocation or designation of something.

we faced

Highlights the confrontation with a situation rather than the receiving of it.

we encountered

Emphasizes the unexpected or unplanned nature of experiencing something.

we were presented with

Highlights the act of something being offered or introduced to us.

we were confronted with

Stresses the challenging nature of the situation we had to handle.

we were burdened with

Emphasizes the negative or difficult aspect of what was received.

we were saddled with

Suggests that something was imposed on us, often unwanted.

FAQs

What does "we were dealt" mean?

The phrase "we were dealt" is an idiom that means we were given a particular situation or set of circumstances, often implying a lack of choice or control over what happened. It's similar to being given cards in a game.

When is it appropriate to use "we were dealt" in a sentence?

Use "we were dealt" when you want to convey that a situation or set of circumstances was imposed upon you or your group, and you had to respond to it. It's often used to describe challenges or difficulties. For instance, "Although "the cards we were dealt" weren't ideal, we persevered".

What are some alternatives to saying "we were dealt"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "we received", "we were given", "we faced", or "we encountered" to express a similar idea. Each alternative carries slightly different nuances, so choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.

Is it correct to say "the hand we were dealt"?

Yes, "the hand we were dealt" is a common variation of the phrase. It explicitly references the metaphor of being given cards in a game, emphasizing the element of chance or fate in the situation.