found something

USAGE SUMMARY

"found something" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to discover, come across, or locate something. Example: I found something interesting while cleaning out the attic yesterday. It was an old photo album filled with pictures from my grandparents' wedding.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We all found something, though.

The New Yorker

Daykin found something similar.

The Guardian - Sport

They found something essential.

The New York Times - Books

They'd found something.

The Guardian

Instead, she found something far more rewarding.

The New York Times

The cat found something to play with.

The Guardian - Arts

I found something I liked to do.

The New York Times - Sports

"He always found something to complain about".

The New York Times

"I always found something in the sandbox.

The New Yorker

"He said, 'I found something,' " she said.

The New York Times

I found something like the opposite, though.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "found something" to indicate a discovery, whether physical or abstract. For instance, "I found something interesting in the article" or "She found something to be grateful for."

Common error

Avoid using "found something" in unnecessarily passive constructions. Instead of saying "Something was found by me", opt for the more direct "I found something."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "found something" functions as a verb phrase, where "found" is the past tense of the verb "find", and "something" serves as the direct object. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, indicating its standard acceptance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "found something" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to indicate the discovery or location of something. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While simple, it effectively conveys the act of finding, whether physical or abstract. When writing, consider using synonyms like "discovered something" or "came across something" for varied expression. Remember to maintain a direct, active voice rather than passive constructions for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discovered something

Replaces "found" with a synonym that emphasizes a more intentional search or investigation.

stumbled upon something

Similar to "came across", implying a completely random discovery.

came across something

Indicates a more accidental or unexpected discovery.

encountered something

Suggests a chance meeting or facing something unexpected.

chanced upon something

Highlights the element of luck or chance in the discovery.

located something

Suggests finding something after a specific search or effort.

detected something

Implies using one's senses or instruments to notice something.

identified something

Implies recognizing and naming what was found.

realized something

Focuses on becoming aware of something, rather than physically finding it.

unearthed something

Evokes a sense of digging up or uncovering something hidden.

FAQs

How can I use "found something" in a sentence?

Use "found something" to indicate that you have discovered or located something, either physically or metaphorically. For example, "I found something I like" or "They found something essential".

What are some alternatives to saying "found something"?

You can use alternatives like "discovered something", "came across something", or "located something" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "found something" and "discovered something"?

While both phrases imply finding something, "discovered something" often suggests a more intentional or significant finding, whereas "found something" can refer to a more casual or accidental discovery.

When is it appropriate to use "found something" in writing?

"Found something" is appropriate in various contexts, from casual conversations to formal writing, whenever you want to convey the idea of having located or discovered something. It's a versatile phrase applicable in many situations.