we were privileged to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were privileged to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express gratitude or honor for having the opportunity to experience or participate in something significant. Example: "We were privileged to attend the conference and hear from such esteemed speakers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

We were privileged to experience his leadership.

The New York Times

We were privileged to have heard and known him.

The New York Times

We were privileged to have Gerri in our lives.

The New York Times

We were privileged to have known him and to have published his prints.

The New York Times

We were privileged to know and love Marilyn and deeply mourn her passing.

The New York Times

We were privileged to have known you and to have shared our families together.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

We are privileged to have them.

The Guardian - Arts

We're privileged to be part of the party.

Independent

We're privileged to have Antonio Guterres with us here today.

The Guardian

May we be privileged to carry on her precious legacy.

The New York Times

"This story is about the great technology companies we are privileged to advise".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were privileged to" to express sincere gratitude or acknowledge a special opportunity. It's particularly effective when highlighting the significance of an event or interaction.

Common error

Avoid using "we were privileged to" in everyday, mundane situations. It can sound overly formal or insincere if the context doesn't warrant such a strong expression of gratitude or honor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were privileged to" functions as an expression of gratitude or acknowledgment of a special opportunity or honor. It is used to convey a sense of appreciation for having been part of something significant. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use across various contexts to highlight positive experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were privileged to" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey gratitude or acknowledge a special honor. Analysis of Ludwig examples reveals its prevalence in news, science, and formal business contexts. While the phrase is widely accepted, it's crucial to use it appropriately, avoiding overuse in casual conversations. Alternatives like "we were fortunate to" or "we were honored to" can be used to vary your language. Ludwig AI confirms the expression's validity, emphasizing its role in expressing sincere appreciation for significant opportunities or experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were fortunate to

Replaces 'privileged' with 'fortunate', emphasizing luck or good fortune.

we had the privilege of

Changes the sentence structure to emphasize the possession of the privilege.

we were honored to

Substitutes 'privileged' with 'honored', highlighting respect and esteem.

we were lucky enough to

Focuses on the element of luck in the opportunity.

we benefited from

Shifts the focus to the positive outcome or advantage gained.

we were in the position to

Highlights the advantageous circumstance that allowed the experience.

we were given the opportunity to

Emphasizes the act of being granted the chance.

we were blessed to

Implies a divine or spiritual element to the good fortune.

we were favored to

Suggests preferential treatment or special consideration.

we relished the opportunity to

Highlights the enjoyment and appreciation of the chance.

FAQs

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

Use "we were privileged to" to express gratitude or honor for an opportunity or experience. For example, "We were privileged to attend the conference and learn from the experts."

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

You can use alternatives such as "we were fortunate to", "we were honored to", or "we had the privilege of" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "we were privileged to"?

It's best to use "we were privileged to" when you genuinely feel grateful for a special opportunity or experience. It's particularly fitting in formal or professional contexts.

Is "we were privileged to" too formal for casual conversation?

Yes, "we were privileged to" can sound overly formal in casual settings. Consider using simpler expressions like "we were lucky to" or "we were glad to" in everyday conversation.