we discovered that

USAGE SUMMARY

'we discovered that' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a conclusion that has been reached after a period of investigation or study. Example: We discovered that the source of the contamination was a nearby factory.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"From this place we discovered that looks aren't everything".

The New York Times

When we discovered that was the case, we were stunned".

Los Angeles Times

We discovered that early on.

Harvard University

We discovered that Step 3 is an endothermic process.

Carbon

We discovered that musicians face a great many challenges.

Princeton University

"We discovered that foxes can swim," Mr. Gordon said.

The New York Times

We discovered that the factory was knowingly employing underage workers.

The Guardian

Once we moved in, we discovered that this meant everything.

The Guardian - Books

"We discovered that the activist had been under surveillance.

The Guardian - Tech

Then we discovered that we had other things in common".

The New York Times - Magazine

Later, we discovered that the boat needed a doctor, too.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we discovered that" to introduce a significant finding or realization based on investigation or experience. This phrase works well in reports, articles, and presentations.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "we discovered that" in a single piece of writing. Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms like "we found", "we learned", or restructuring the sentence to emphasize the discovery itself rather than the act of discovering.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we discovered that" serves as a declarative statement introducing a finding or realization. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It connects the subject (we) to the information that was found, similar to examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

49%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we discovered that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to introduce a finding or realization, as supported by Ludwig. It functions declaratively to present new information and is appropriate for a range of contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific writing. Ludwig AI confirms its reliability and widespread usage. While it is versatile, varying sentence structure is recommended to avoid overuse. Alternatives such as "we found that", "we learned that", and "it became clear that" can provide stylistic variation while maintaining clarity. Overall, it's a valuable phrase for clearly communicating insights gained through investigation or experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we found that

A more direct and less formal way of expressing the same idea. This alternative focuses on the act of finding something.

analysis revealed that

Highlights that the discovery was made as a result of detailed examination of data.

we realized that

Highlights the moment of understanding or becoming aware of something.

our research showed that

Specifically relates the finding to research efforts, suitable for academic or scientific writing.

we learned that

Focuses on the acquisition of knowledge rather than the act of discovery. It implies a learning process.

we observed that

Specifically refers to findings based on observation, often in scientific or empirical contexts.

we ascertained that

A more formal way of saying "we found out", often used in professional or academic contexts.

we determined that

Implies a more rigorous or formal process of investigation leading to a conclusion.

we noticed that

Highlights a casual or less intentional observation, often implying something subtle.

it became clear that

Emphasizes the clarity that emerged over time, suggesting a gradual understanding.

FAQs

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

Use "we discovered that" to introduce a finding or realization based on investigation or experience. For example, "We discovered that the new policy improved employee satisfaction."

What are some alternatives to "we discovered that"?

You can use alternatives such as "we found that", "we learned that", or "it became clear that depending on the context.

Is "we discovered that" formal or informal?

"We discovered that" is generally considered neutral in tone and suitable for a variety of contexts, including formal reports and informal discussions. However, alternatives like "we ascertained that" may be more appropriate for highly formal writing.

Can I use "we discovered that" in academic writing?

Yes, "we discovered that" is appropriate for academic writing to present research findings. For example, "We discovered that the new method significantly improved the results."