we were fortunate that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were fortunate that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express gratitude or a sense of luck regarding a particular situation or outcome. Example: "We were fortunate that the weather held up for our outdoor event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

"We were fortunate that the second transfer has been successful," Jessie says.

The Guardian

We were fortunate that President Bush was our commander in chief on 9/11.

The New York Times

We were fortunate that our building was strong enough to withstand the earthquake.

The Guardian

We were fortunate that our incomes could support the other one if something happened".

The New York Times

"We were fortunate that Raheem probably didn't realise how good he was," Gallen told The Independent.

Independent

"It was a tough slog, but we were fortunate that Amazon leased it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

We're fortunate that we have five offices.

The New York Times

"We are fortunate that it's two London games.

Independent

"We're fortunate that we're alive and are able to stand on line".

The New York Times

But at least we are fortunate that we are given a second life.

The Guardian

"If we're fortunate, that $2.2 million home will be worth $3 million," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were fortunate that" to express gratitude or acknowledge a positive outcome resulting from favorable circumstances or luck. For example, "We were fortunate that the project was completed ahead of schedule."

Common error

Avoid using "we were fortunate that" when the outcome was solely due to skill or effort. "Fortunate" implies an element of chance or external favor. Instead, use phrases like "we succeeded because" or "we achieved this through".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were fortunate that" functions as an introductory clause expressing gratitude or recognition of favorable circumstances. It sets the stage for explaining a positive outcome or situation. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase indicates a sense of luck or favor influencing events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were fortunate that" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey gratitude or acknowledge the role of luck in a positive outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability across various contexts. While versatile, it's important to use it appropriately, recognizing the element of chance or external favor it implies. Alternatives like "we were lucky that" or "we benefitted from" can be used to fine-tune the meaning, depending on the specific situation. The expression appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were lucky that

Replaces "fortunate" with "lucky", maintaining the same meaning of being favored by chance.

we were lucky enough that

Adds "enough" for emphasis, highlighting the extent of the good fortune.

we were blessed that

Substitutes "fortunate" with "blessed", implying divine favor or gratitude.

we had the good fortune to

Changes the structure to emphasize the possession of good fortune.

we were in a position to

Indicates a favorable set of circumstances enabled a specific outcome.

it was advantageous that

Focuses on the advantageous nature of the situation, rather than personal fortune.

it was a stroke of luck that

Emphasizes the role of luck in the favorable outcome.

we were privileged that

Replaces "fortunate" with "privileged", implying access to opportunities or resources.

we benefitted from

Focuses on the benefit received, rather than the element of chance or fortune.

we were able to

Highlights the ability to do something because of favorable conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "we were fortunate that" in a sentence?

Use "we were fortunate that" to express gratitude or acknowledge a positive outcome resulting from favorable circumstances. For example, "We were fortunate that the storm missed our city".

What's a more formal way to say "we were fortunate that"?

Consider alternatives like "it was advantageous that" or "we benefitted from" to maintain a formal tone.

Is there a difference between "we were lucky that" and "we were fortunate that"?

While similar, "we were lucky that" often implies a greater degree of chance, whereas "we were fortunate that" can also encompass being in a favorable position due to prior actions or circumstances.

When is it inappropriate to use "we were fortunate that"?

Avoid using "we were fortunate that" when the positive outcome was solely the result of skill, planning, or hard work, without any element of chance or external help. Consider using alternatives like "we succeeded because".