found it to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'found it to be' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a subjective opinion or conclusion that was arrived at after a period of research. For example, "After examining the data, the researchers found it to be conclusive that the proposed policy would have a positive economic impact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We found it to be so-so.

The New Yorker

She found it to be highly beneficial.

The New York Times

Some found it to be unsuitable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He found it to be fertile ground.

The New York Times

Have you found it to be useful?

The Guardian - Business

Both artists also found it to be quite wearable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We found it to be pretty flawed," he said.

The New York Times - Health

"I found it to be an irresistible argument".

The New York Times

I have not found it to be a comfortable experience.

The Guardian

"We've found it to be extremely helpful," he said.

The New York Times

JONES -- I found it to be slightly more difficult.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the subject performing the action of 'finding' is clearly identified. This clarifies who holds the opinion or made the determination.

Common error

Avoid using "found it to be" in highly formal or scientific contexts where a more objective tone is required. Consider alternatives like "analysis revealed" or "studies indicated" for increased formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "found it to be" functions as a verb phrase used to express a subjective assessment or conclusion reached after observation, experience, or analysis. Ludwig examples show its use across varied contexts, indicating a personal evaluation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "found it to be" is a versatile verb phrase used to express a subjective assessment or conclusion based on experience or analysis. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Its frequency and appearance in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian showcase its acceptability in both neutral and professional contexts.

While generally appropriate, it's important to consider the specific context. In highly formal or scientific writing, more objective alternatives might be preferable. To ensure clear and effective communication, always ensure the subject of the phrase is clearly identified.

Overall, "found it to be" is a valuable tool for expressing personal evaluations, provided it aligns with the intended tone and formality of the writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discovered it was

Replaces 'found' with 'discovered', emphasizing the act of uncovering something previously unknown.

determined it to be

Emphasizes a more formal and conclusive assessment or judgment.

considered it to be

Focuses on a deliberate act of thinking and forming an opinion.

deemed it to be

Implies a formal judgment or pronouncement about something.

judged it to be

Highlights the process of evaluation and forming an opinion.

perceived it as

Emphasizes a subjective impression or understanding.

observed it as

Focuses on noting or witnessing something and interpreting it in a particular way.

ascertained it to be

Implies a careful and thorough investigation to confirm something.

realized it was

Highlights the moment of understanding or becoming aware of something.

concluded it was

Indicates a final judgment or decision reached after considering the evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "found it to be" in a sentence?

You can use "found it to be" when expressing a personal assessment or conclusion based on your experience. For example, "I "found it to be" a challenging but rewarding experience."

What are some alternatives to "found it to be"?

Alternatives include "discovered it was", "determined it to be", or "considered it to be", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I find it to be" instead of "I found it to be"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but "I "find it to be"" typically expresses a present or ongoing assessment, while "I "found it to be"" refers to a past assessment.

What's the difference between "found it to be" and "found that it was"?

"Found it to be" is generally followed by an adjective or a noun phrase that describes a quality or characteristic. "Found that it was" is typically followed by a clause that provides more specific information or details about what was found. An example using "found it to be": "I "found it to be" helpful." An example using found that it was: "I found that it was more difficult than I expected."