we did then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we did then" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to actions or events that occurred at a specific time in the past. Example: "When we look back at our childhood, we remember the fun times we had and the adventures we did then."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And we have a different country than we did then.

The Washington Post

If we did, then the job certainly wouldn't go to teen-man Tarantino.

Independent

"We're trying just as hard as we did then," Cashman said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We have a much different liquidity profile today than we did then".

The New York Times

But, he added, "we'll do it, just like we did then".

The New York Times

"Now we have to do the same as we did then.

The Guardian - Sport

"If we did, then we would never be able to offer the discounts that we do".

The New York Times

"Are we doing the same things now as we did then?" he said.

The New York Times - Sports

If we did, then IDC's, chart would look more like this.

The Guardian - Tech

If we stand aside as we did then, this time history will pass us by.

The Guardian - Opinion

Today they'd have a lot more glamorous technology than we did then.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we did then" to draw a clear contrast between past and present actions or conditions. This helps to highlight changes or progress over time.

Common error

Avoid using "we did then" when referring to a sequence of events that all occurred in the past. Ensure it's clear which specific past time you're contrasting with the present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we did then" typically functions as part of a clause comparing past actions or states with present ones. It's used to emphasize a difference or change over time. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we did then" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for contrasting past actions or conditions with the present. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a straightforward way to highlight changes or evolution over time. Primarily found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for professional communication. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to make the comparison explicit. While "we did then" is common, consider alternatives like "what we used to do" or "how we acted back then" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what we used to do

Replaces the phrase with a focus on past habits or routines.

how we acted back then

Emphasizes past behavior or conduct.

the way we operated in the past

Highlights past methods or processes.

our actions at that time

Focuses on specific actions taken in the past.

what we accomplished before

Highlights past achievements or accomplishments.

as we performed previously

Formal way to describe prior actions or performances.

the things we carried out earlier

Focuses on completed tasks or activities.

our practices in those days

Emphasizes established practices or customs.

what constituted our behavior then

Focuses on analyzing past behavior and its components.

the manner in which we proceeded earlier

Formal and detailed way of describing past procedures.

FAQs

How can I use "we did then" in a sentence?

Use "we did then" to compare a past action or state with the present, like: "We approached the problem differently than "we do now"".

What's a more formal alternative to "we did then"?

For a more formal tone, consider "as "we performed previously"" or "our actions at that time".

Is it always necessary to explicitly state what "we did then" is being compared to?

While not always required, providing context helps avoid ambiguity. Clearly stating the comparison enhances understanding.

How does the meaning of "we did then" change with different contexts?

The core meaning remains consistent (actions in the past) but the implication changes. In business, it might highlight strategic shifts; in personal contexts, it could emphasize personal growth.