so we knew

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so we knew" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a certain understanding or awareness was established as a result of previous information or events. Example: "The evidence was clear, so we knew that the project would succeed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"So, we knew we had to have one," Sammons said.

The Washington Post

Then she pummelled the floor, so we knew the baby had died.

The New Yorker

It's such a powerful image, so we knew that was key to this movie.

The New York Times

But even so, we knew we had to pick it up defensively.

The New York Times - Sports

"Hull are scrapping at the moment, so we knew it would be difficult.

BBC

So, we knew exactly what they wanted there.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

So we know that.

Yale University

So we know about him.

The New York Times - Sports

So we know him.

The New York Times

So we know the shape.

Cornell University

So we know we can do it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "so we knew", make sure the connection between the previous statement and the resulting knowledge is evident to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "so we knew" in overly complex sentences where the relationship between cause and effect is not immediately clear. Break down such sentences for better readability and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so we knew" serves as a conjunction linking a preceding cause or reason with the resulting knowledge or understanding. It indicates a logical connection where the knowledge is a direct consequence of what came before. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "so we knew" functions as a conjunction indicating a logical connection between prior information and a resulting understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used to explain why something was known. While its register is generally neutral, it's more frequently found in News & Media and Academia, making it suitable for a variety of writing contexts, especially where clarity and logical flow are important. Although the phrase is grammatically sound, avoid overuse in complex sentences to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

therefore we understood

Emphasizes the logical consequence of understanding something.

thus we realized

Highlights the moment of realization based on previous information.

consequently we were aware

Formally indicates awareness as a result of something.

as a result we recognized

Focuses on the recognition that follows from prior events.

we then became conscious that

Highlights the shift to a state of consciousness or awareness.

it followed that we perceived

Suggests a logical and sequential perception.

that's how we came to understand

Explains the process of reaching understanding.

hence we had knowledge of

Formally indicates prior knowledge influencing the understanding.

we gathered that

Focuses on the act of collecting information and inferring knowledge.

accordingly we ascertained

Indicates a formal and methodical process of finding something out for certain.

FAQs

How can I use "so we knew" in a sentence?

Use "so we knew" to express a conclusion or understanding that directly results from a prior event or piece of information. For example, "The data was conclusive, "so we knew" the hypothesis was correct."

What phrases are similar to "so we knew"?

Alternatives include "therefore we understood", "thus we realized", or "consequently we were aware", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "so we knew"?

While grammatically permissible, starting a sentence with "so we knew" might sound less formal. Ensure it fits the tone of your writing. Consider using a different conjunction or rephrasing for a more formal style.

What's the difference between "so we knew" and "so we found out"?

"So we knew" implies a prior understanding or expectation based on given information, while "so we found out" suggests discovering something new or unexpected. The former is about confirming knowledge, the latter about gaining it.