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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
we didn't know
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(4)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
We didn't know anything.
News & Media
We didn't know.' ".
News & Media
But we didn't know.
News & Media
A: We didn't know.
News & Media
We didn't know.
Academia
We didn't know that!
As if we didn't know.
News & Media
"We didn't know it either.
News & Media
"But we didn't know what".
News & Media
"We didn't know," he said.
News & Media
We didn't know anybody.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "we didn't know" to express a lack of prior knowledge or awareness, especially when explaining past actions or decisions. It's effective for providing context or justification.
Common error
While versatile, excessive use of "we didn't know" can make writing seem defensive or lacking in foresight. Consider using more proactive language or providing solutions to mitigate the lack of prior knowledge.
Source & Trust
91%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "we didn't know" functions as a declarative statement expressing a past lack of knowledge or awareness. It introduces information that was previously unknown to the speakers. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in explaining past actions or circumstances.
Frequent in
News & Media
55%
Academia
25%
Science
10%
Less common in
Formal & Business
5%
Wiki
3%
Reference
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "we didn't know" is a common phrase used to express a past lack of knowledge or awareness. Ludwig examples showcase its versatility across various contexts, primarily in news, academic, and scientific domains. The phrase holds a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. The phrase is grammatically correct, which is confirmed by Ludwig AI, and it serves to provide context, explanations, or justifications for past actions. While frequently used, writers should be mindful of overuse, particularly in formal writing, and should consider more proactive language to demonstrate foresight and solutions. Alternatives like "we were unaware" or "we had no idea" can be used for variety.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
we had no idea
Common alternative, expressing a complete lack of knowledge.
we were unaware
Formal alternative, emphasizing a lack of awareness.
we hadn't realized
Emphasizes the process of not coming to a certain understanding until later.
we were in the dark
Idiomatic expression indicating a lack of information.
we weren't informed
Focuses on the lack of information provided to the speakers.
we were oblivious
Highlights a state of unawareness about something specific.
we were ignorant of
More formal and can imply a deliberate lack of knowledge seeking.
we failed to notice
Highlights a missed observation or detail.
we weren't conscious of
Indicates a lack of conscious awareness.
it escaped our notice
Formal, passive construction indicating something was not noticed.
FAQs
What can I say instead of "we didn't know"?
You can use alternatives like "we were unaware", "we had no idea", or "we weren't informed" depending on the context.
How to use "we didn't know" in a sentence?
The phrase "we didn't know" is typically followed by what you were unaware of. For example, "We didn't know the risks involved" or "We didn't know about the changes to the policy".
Is it acceptable to start a sentence with "we didn't know"?
Yes, it is grammatically correct and acceptable to start a sentence with "we didn't know". It can effectively introduce a statement explaining a previous lack of awareness.
What's the difference between "we didn't know" and "we don't know"?
"We didn't know" refers to a lack of knowledge in the past, while "we don't know" refers to a current lack of knowledge. For example, "We didn't know the answer yesterday, but we do now" versus "We don't know the answer yet, but we are researching it".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
91%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested