we considered ourselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we considered ourselves" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a self-perception or identity within a specific context or group. Example: "In our discussions about the project, we considered ourselves pioneers in the field of renewable energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

We considered ourselves realists.

The New York Times

We considered ourselves lucky.

The New York Times - Sports

We considered ourselves very professional.

The New Yorker

We considered ourselves a tribe.

The Guardian - Books

We considered ourselves intrepid subway explorers, urban spelunkers.

The New York Times - Arts

Rabidly pubescent, we considered ourselves the mainstays of the home front.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

"We consider ourselves martyrs".

The New York Times

We consider ourselves Japanese".

The New York Times - Sports

We consider ourselves sufficiently active.

The New York Times

"We consider ourselves lucky," she said.

Independent

We consider ourselves the fine wine candidate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "we considered ourselves" to express a shared perception or understanding of a group's identity or status at a particular time. Ensure that the context clarifies who "we" refers to and what specific quality or characteristic they considered themselves to possess.

Common error

Avoid using "we considered ourselves" when you intend to describe an action performed on others. This phrase is specifically for expressing how a group perceived itself, not how it acted upon others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we considered ourselves" functions as a reflexive construction expressing a collective self-perception or shared identity. It highlights how a group understood or evaluated themselves in a particular context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we considered ourselves" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey a collective self-perception or shared identity within a specific context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s generally correct, with its primary function being to express how a group evaluated or understood themselves. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for broad communication. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about who "we" refers to and what attribute they perceived themselves to have. Alternative phrases, such as "we regarded ourselves as", can add subtle nuances to the meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we saw ourselves as

Changes the verb to 'saw,' emphasizing a visual or observational perception of self.

we regarded ourselves as

Replaces 'considered' with 'regarded,' suggesting a more formal or thoughtful assessment.

we viewed ourselves as

Uses 'viewed' instead of 'considered,' focusing on a specific perspective or outlook.

we identified as

Shifts the focus to self-identification, highlighting a sense of belonging or shared characteristics.

we understood ourselves to be

Emphasizes comprehension and a reasoned understanding of their identity.

in our own eyes, we were

Introduces the subjective nature of the self-perception, using the idiom 'in our own eyes'.

we perceived ourselves as

Uses 'perceived' to highlight the subjective and sensory aspects of their self-image.

we thought of ourselves as

Replaces 'considered' with 'thought,' indicating a more casual or spontaneous reflection.

we held ourselves to be

Implies a conscious belief or conviction about their identity or nature.

we knew ourselves as

Focuses on an intrinsic and certain understanding of their identity.

FAQs

How can I use "we considered ourselves" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to express a collective self-perception. For example, "During that period, "we considered ourselves" fortunate to have such opportunities."

What's a more formal alternative to "we considered ourselves"?

A more formal alternative could be "we regarded ourselves as", which implies a more careful and thoughtful assessment.

Is it ever incorrect to use "we considered ourselves"?

It would be incorrect if the intention is to describe an action done to others, rather than a self-perception. The phrase is reflexive and must refer back to the subject ("we").

What is the difference between "we considered ourselves" and "we thought of ourselves"?

"We considered ourselves" suggests a more deliberate evaluation, while "we thought of ourselves" implies a more casual or spontaneous reflection.