that I discovered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that I discovered" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something you found out or learned about in the past. Example: "The book contains many fascinating facts that I discovered during my research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That, I discovered, is what "the people" means.

The New York Times

Why did you decide to stop after that?I discovered that I enjoyed not making films.

The Economist

Pretty soon after that I discovered masturbation".

Vice

The Canadian dollar that I discovered was made in 1989.

Huffington Post

After that, I discovered the secret of acting.

Huffington Post

A week or two after that, I discovered that he didn't like doing much of anything.

Huffington Post

It wasn't until the introduction of social media that I discovered that he had passed away.

Vice

It was then that I discovered Swezey's.

The New York Times

"It was then that I discovered philosophy," Tang said.

The New Yorker

It was then that I discovered the world of online shopping.

The New York Times

I would say that I discovered this reversal more than I engineered it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that I discovered", ensure that the context clearly indicates what was previously unknown or unrecognized. This enhances the impact of your discovery and provides clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "that I discovered" repeatedly within a short span of writing. This can make your text sound monotonous and self-centered. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms such as "that I found" or rephrasing the sentence to emphasize the discovery itself, rather than your role in it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that I discovered" functions as a relative clause, introducing information that was previously unknown to the speaker or writer. It often connects a fact, idea, or object to the personal experience of the discoverer, adding a layer of personal validation. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that I discovered" is a commonly used relative clause that adds a personal touch to the introduction of a new fact, idea, or understanding. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a lesser but significant presence in scientific writing. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider more formal alternatives, such as "that I ascertained" or "what I came to know", in academic or professional settings. By understanding its nuances and context, you can effectively use "that I discovered" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that I found

Focuses on the act of finding rather than the process of learning or realizing.

that I learned

Highlights the acquisition of knowledge or skill.

that I realized

Emphasizes a moment of understanding or awareness.

that I noticed

Highlights something that became apparent through observation.

that I unearthed

Implies a more deliberate or investigatory search process.

that I came across

Suggests a chance or unexpected discovery.

what I came to know

A more formal way of expressing the discovery of knowledge.

that I perceived

Focuses on sensory or intuitive recognition.

what I ascertained

Indicates a discovery made through careful investigation.

that came to my attention

Indicates the discovery was brought about by external factors.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "that I discovered" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "that I ascertained", "what I came to know", or "that I uncovered". These options add a layer of sophistication and suggest a more deliberate process of discovery.

What's the difference between "that I discovered" and "that I found"?

"That I discovered" often implies a process of learning or realization, while "that I found" typically refers to locating something tangible or existing. However, they can be used interchangeably in some contexts where the discovery involves finding information.

Is it correct to use "that I discovered" at the beginning of a sentence?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "that I discovered" can sometimes sound awkward. It's often better to rephrase the sentence to place the discovery within the context, such as "During my research, that I discovered a new fact about...".

What are some creative alternatives to "that I discovered" for storytelling?

In storytelling, you can use phrases like "it dawned on me", "I came to realize", or "a revelation struck me" to add dramatic effect and convey the personal impact of the discovery. For example, instead of "that I discovered the truth", you might say "it dawned on me that he was the culprit".