as we saw

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as we saw" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer back to something that has been previously discussed or demonstrated, often in a narrative or analytical context. Example: "As we saw in the previous chapter, the data indicates a significant trend in consumer behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Syndicated search revenues grew as we saw new impact.

TechCrunch

The mind, as we saw in Kiev, was still sharp.

The New York Times - Sports

As we saw Friday, Riske is a fearless competitor.

The New York Times

We just told it as we saw it.

The Guardian

But as we saw yesterday, it could be different.

The New York Times

But, as we saw with Iraq, it's not so simple.

The New Yorker

"As soon as we saw Indiana, we said: 'Who's next?

The New York Times - Sports

That arrogance has consequences, as we saw with the budget.

The Guardian - Opinion

As we saw today, any giveaways will be tiny.

The Guardian - Opinion

As we saw last week, Hanzee is on a mission.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"We fell in love with it as soon as we saw the design," Mr. McNown said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as we saw" to smoothly transition between related ideas, referencing information already established to support your current point. This helps maintain coherence and avoids unnecessary repetition.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "as we saw". Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as we saw" functions as a transitional phrase or a discourse marker. It connects a current statement to something that has been previously mentioned, observed, or demonstrated. It prompts the audience to recall prior information, building coherence within the text. Ludwig confirms its frequent use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as we saw" is a common and grammatically correct connector used to reference previously presented information. It functions as a discourse marker, aiding in coherence and logical flow. According to Ludwig, its register is typically neutral, finding frequent application in news, media and scientific sources. For alternative phrasing, consider "as we observed" or "as previously mentioned", depending on the context and desired level of formality. Avoid overuse to maintain writing clarity. "As we saw" serves as a valuable tool for linking ideas and reinforcing arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as we observed

Replaces "saw" with "observed", providing a slightly more formal tone.

as we have seen

Similar to "as we saw" but with slightly more emphasis on a continuing observation.

as we noted

Uses "noted" instead of "saw", suitable when referencing something previously mentioned in writing.

as we pointed out

Highlights that the speaker or writer brought something to attention earlier.

as demonstrated

Emphasizes that something has been proven or shown through evidence.

as we determined

Stresses that something has been established or decided based on examination.

as previously mentioned

Highlights that something was discussed earlier, useful for formal contexts.

as has been shown

Focuses on the fact that something has been displayed or revealed to be true.

as the evidence suggests

Connects a statement to the available evidence, lending credibility to the claim.

as it was shown

Emphasizes the act of something being shown or demonstrated in the past.

FAQs

How can I use "as we saw" in a sentence?

Use "as we saw" to refer back to information, examples, or events that have already been presented or discussed. For instance, "As we saw in the previous experiment, the results were inconclusive."

What can I say instead of "as we saw"?

You can use alternatives like "as we observed", "as previously mentioned", or "as demonstrated" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "as we saw" in formal writing?

Yes, "as we saw" is generally acceptable in formal writing, particularly when referring to information presented earlier in the same document. However, consider using more formal alternatives like "as previously noted" for added formality.

What's the difference between "as we saw" and "as we see"?

"As we saw" refers to something observed or understood in the past, while "as we see" typically refers to something understood or perceived in the present. For example, "As we saw yesterday, the market crashed," versus "As we see it now, the situation is improving."