we discovered

USAGE SUMMARY

"we discovered" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to refer to the process of learning or finding something out for the first time. For example, "We discovered the truth about the mysterious creature only after many weeks of research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

WE discovered a wealth of compatibilities.

The New York Times

We discovered things together.

The New York Times

We discovered winning successively.

Independent

We discovered them.

Independent

And we discovered things gradually.

The New York Times - Arts

It was closed, we discovered.

The New Yorker

"We discovered it's dynamic.

Stanford University

We discovered him early.

The New York Times - Sports

We discovered service laundries.

The New York Times - Travel

Here's what we discovered.

The Guardian - Tech

And so we discovered the bodies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we discovered" to emphasize the act of uncovering something new or previously unknown, rather than simply finding something that was lost.

Common error

Avoid using "we discovered" when simply reporting a known fact or something easily found. Opt for simpler alternatives like "we found" or "we learned" to maintain clarity and avoid sounding pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we discovered" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of finding something previously unknown or unrecognized. Ludwig AI indicates its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we discovered" is a versatile phrase used to announce the finding of something new or previously unknown. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While it's appropriate for formal and informal settings, choosing synonyms like "we found" or "we realized" can provide greater precision depending on the context. Remember to reserve "we discovered" for situations where the finding involves novelty or significant uncovering of information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we found

A more general term for locating something, lacking the implication of uncovering something new.

we realized

Focuses on understanding or becoming aware of something, rather than a physical finding.

we learned

Emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge or skill, not necessarily a novel discovery.

we observed

Implies a careful and deliberate examination leading to a finding.

we identified

Focuses on recognizing or establishing the identity of something.

we ascertained

A more formal term for finding something out with certainty after investigation.

we unearthed

Suggests digging up or revealing something hidden or buried.

we detected

Suggests the use of instruments or methods to perceive something not immediately obvious.

it came to our attention

Highlights how the information was received, rather than the active process of discovering.

we stumbled upon

Implies an accidental or unexpected discovery.

FAQs

What does "we discovered" mean?

The phrase "we discovered" refers to the act of finding something new or previously unknown, often through investigation or exploration. It implies a process of uncovering or learning something for the first time.

How can I use "we discovered" in a sentence?

Use "we discovered" when you want to emphasize that you and others have uncovered new information or made a significant finding. For example, "We discovered a new species of plant in the rainforest."

What can I say instead of "we discovered"?

You can use alternatives like "we found", "we realized", or "we learned" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "we discovered" in formal writing?

Yes, "we discovered" is appropriate in formal writing, especially in scientific or academic contexts where new findings are being reported. However, be mindful of overuse and consider alternatives if the context doesn't emphasize novelty or a significant uncovering of information.