after finding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "after finding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate an action that occurs subsequent to discovering or locating something. Example: "After finding the missing documents, she was able to complete the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

He called the police only after finding the pads safe.

The New York Times - Sports

They clambered through the woods after finding two parked cars.

The New York Times

Hulk lets off steam after finding out he can't play.

The Guardian - Sport

After finding the answer, you need to sell the benefit.

The New York Times

They left after finding nothing suspicious, he added.

The New York Times

b) Robert, after finding the scotch, to Isis, his dog.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He later apologised after finding the missing soldier elsewhere.

Independent

Easier said than done after finding sand off the tee.

Independent

After finding on Wednesday that the concert promoter A.E.G.

The New York Times

After finding the first truffle, Mina quickly found five more.

The New York Times - Food

After finding out about the cancer, though, he called me.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "after finding" to clearly indicate chronological sequence, ensuring the action described follows directly from the discovery or location of something. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using past perfect tense unnecessarily when "after finding" clearly establishes the sequence of events. For example, instead of saying "After he had found the key, he opened the door", the simpler "After finding the key, he opened the door" is more concise and equally correct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "after finding" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a dependent clause that specifies the timing or condition for the main clause. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase indicates that an action occurs subsequent to the discovery or location of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "after finding" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase widely employed to denote a sequential relationship where one action follows the discovery of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in the sequence of events and avoid unnecessary tense complexities. For alternatives, consider options like "upon discovery" or "following the discovery of", depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon discovery

Replaces "after finding" with a more formal tone, emphasizing the moment of discovery.

subsequent to finding

A formal alternative, highlighting the sequence of events.

following the discovery of

A more elaborate way of saying "after finding", suitable for formal writing.

on discovering

Uses a gerund to describe the act of finding, followed by the subsequent action.

having found

Uses a perfect participle to express the completion of the finding action before the next event.

with the discovery of

Emphasizes the discovery itself, leading to the next event.

once it was found that

Introduces a clause emphasizing the state of being found or discovered.

as a result of the finding

Focuses on the finding as the cause of a subsequent action or event.

post-discovery

A concise, modern way to express "after finding", often used in technical contexts.

after the revelation of

Suitable when the "finding" involves the unveiling of something previously unknown.

FAQs

How do I use "after finding" in a sentence?

Use "after finding" to indicate that one action occurs immediately following the discovery of something. For example, "After finding the error, I corrected it immediately."

What can I say instead of "after finding"?

You can use alternatives like "upon discovery", "following the discovery of", or "having found" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "after finding"?

While generally correct, ensure that the context clearly indicates a sequential relationship. If the connection is not immediately obvious, consider using a more explicit phrase to avoid ambiguity.

What is the difference between "after finding" and "after the discovery of"?

"After finding" is more concise and informal, while "after the discovery of" is more formal and emphasizes the act of discovery. The choice depends on the desired tone and context. For example, compare "After finding the problem, we fixed it" with "After the discovery of the anomaly, the team initiated a full investigation".