English usage is sometimes more than mere taste, judgment and education - sometimes it's sheer luck, like getting across the street.

In this quote, E. B. White reflects on the unpredictability and complexity of English usage. He acknowledges that while effective communication often requires taste, judgment, and education, sometimes it boils down to something more arbitrary—sheer luck. White suggests that mastering language is not always a straightforward or purely intellectual process, as external factors, such as context or timing, can play a significant role in how well one communicates. The comparison to getting across the street illustrates how, sometimes, the success of our actions in language, like crossing the street, is influenced by factors beyond our control.

White’s comment highlights the subjectivity of language and communication. While there are rules and structures that guide usage, language is also shaped by how people perceive and interpret it in real-world situations. White’s recognition of luck in language usage hints at the idea that even the most educated or skilled speakers can sometimes falter or succeed depending on circumstances that go beyond their control.

The quote also reflects White’s sense of humility about language. As a writer, White was known for his clear and concise prose, but here, he acknowledges that even experts in English usage are subject to forces that may not always align with their intentions or knowledge. It’s a reminder that language is dynamic and influenced by factors that can't always be anticipated or controlled.

Ultimately, White’s quote serves as a reminder that language and communication are not always predictable or perfect. While education, taste, and judgment play important roles, there’s always an element of chance involved in how we use language, and sometimes it’s the luck of the situation that determines whether our words hit the mark or not.