we encounter

USAGE SUMMARY

"we encounter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something or someone that you or someone else has or is likely to have an encounter with. Example: In our daily lives, we encounter various challenges and opportunities.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The stranger we encounter.

The New York Times

Secondly, we encounter the false ally.

Independent

We encounter offensive expression all the time.

The Economist

Facehuggers The first alien we encounter.

Independent

"Will we encounter any annoyances?" he persisted.

The New Yorker

Where do we encounter machine learning?

The Guardian

Again we encounter de Kruif's touch.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

We encountered some of that.

The New York Times

Here we encountered a problem.

Independent

We encountered no duds.

The New York Times

Later we encountered further administrative obstacles.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we encounter" when you want to describe a situation where you or a group comes across something, whether planned or unplanned. It's suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "we encounter" is versatile, avoid overusing it in very casual conversations. Alternatives like "we met" or "we ran into" might be more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we encounter" functions as a verb phrase, where 'we' is the subject and 'encounter' is the verb. It indicates the action of coming across or meeting something, often unexpectedly. Ludwig's examples show this phrase used across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we encounter" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of coming across something, whether planned or unplanned. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its frequency is 'very common', especially in news and media, and science contexts. While alternatives like "we meet" or "we run into" may be more appropriate for informal settings, "we encounter" holds its own in formal and neutral registers. The examples provided by Ludwig highlight its usage in varied scenarios, emphasizing its role in conveying information about discoveries, experiences, and challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we come across

This alternative emphasizes the element of chance or unexpectedness in the meeting.

we run into

Similar to 'come across', this suggests a casual or unplanned meeting.

we meet

A more direct and general term for coming into contact with someone or something.

we discover

This alternative highlights the act of finding or learning something new.

we find

A simpler way of saying that something is located or present when searching.

we are faced with

This phrase highlights being presented with a situation, often a difficult one.

we face

This alternative shifts the focus to confronting a challenge or obstacle.

we are presented with

Indicates that something is offered or given to us, which we then encounter.

we confront

Suggests a direct and often challenging meeting.

we experience

This emphasizes the act of undergoing or feeling something.

FAQs

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

You can use "we encounter" to describe coming across something, like, "In our research, "we encounter" several unexpected results."

What's a more informal way to say "we encounter"?

For a more casual tone, consider using alternatives such as "we run into" or "we come across".

Is "we encounter" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "we encounter" is perfectly acceptable for formal writing. It's a neutral and clear way to describe coming across something in academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "we encounter" and "we face"?

While both describe coming into contact with something, ""we encounter"" is more neutral, whereas "we face" implies a challenge or difficulty.