we were fortunate to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were fortunate to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express gratitude or appreciation for a positive experience or outcome. Example: "We were fortunate to receive support from our community during the challenging times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We were fortunate to have known Sy.

The New York Times

"We were fortunate to get those parks".

The New York Times - Sports

"We were fortunate to win," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

We were fortunate to pull through".

The New York Times - Sports

We were fortunate to dig out of that last year.

The New York Times - Sports

"We were fortunate to come away with a win.

The New York Times - Sports

"We were fortunate to have the national attention.

The New York Times - Sports

We were fortunate to have had Rees come in".

The New York Times

"We were fortunate to have two absolute straight-talkers in the second row," Mr. Osnos said.

The New York Times

"We were fortunate to hit the art market at an optimum time," Mrs. Warman said.

The New York Times

"We were fortunate to get out of this one alive, but we'll take it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were fortunate to", clearly state what you were fortunate to do or experience. This provides context and emphasizes the specific benefit you received.

Common error

While appropriate in many contexts, avoid overusing "we were fortunate to". Vary your language by using synonyms like "we were lucky to" or "we had the privilege of" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were fortunate to" functions as an introductory expression that sets the stage for describing a positive experience or outcome. It typically precedes a verb phrase, indicating the action or state for which the speaker is grateful or considers themselves lucky. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is deemed correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were fortunate to" is a versatile expression used to convey gratitude, acknowledge favorable circumstances, and highlight positive outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, from news and media to science and business. While "we were fortunate to" is widely used, it's important to vary your language with synonyms like "we were lucky to" or "we were privileged to" to maintain reader engagement. Use this phrase to express genuine appreciation and acknowledge the role of external factors in your success.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were lucky to

Replaces "fortunate" with "lucky", emphasizing chance and good luck.

we were privileged to

Substitutes "fortunate" with "privileged", highlighting the honor and special opportunity.

we had the good fortune to

Emphasizes "good fortune" as the reason for a positive outcome.

we were blessed to

Replaces "fortunate" with "blessed", suggesting divine favor.

we benefited from

Focuses on the positive outcome received, rather than the luck involved.

we had the advantage of

Highlights the beneficial aspect of the situation.

we were in a position to

Emphasizes the enabling circumstances that allowed for a positive outcome.

we were able to

Focuses on the ability to do something due to favorable conditions.

we chanced to

Focuses on how an opportunity arised unexpectedly.

we happened to

Highlights that an opportunity arose by chance or coincidence.

FAQs

What does "we were fortunate to" mean?

It means that due to luck, favorable circumstances, or good fortune, we experienced a positive outcome or were able to achieve something desirable. It expresses gratitude and acknowledges external factors that contributed to the result.

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

You can use it to express gratitude for a positive experience. For example, "We were fortunate to get the opportunity to work with such a talented team" or "We were fortunate to avoid the worst of the storm".

What are some alternatives to "we were fortunate to"?

You can use alternatives like "we were lucky to", "we were privileged to", or "we benefited from depending on the nuance you want to convey".

Is it better to say "we were fortunate to" or "we were lucky to"?

Both phrases are acceptable and convey a similar meaning. "Fortunate" might suggest a slightly more formal or significant benefit, while "lucky" is more casual. The choice depends on the context and desired tone.