we encountered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we encountered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing experiences or situations that were faced or met, often in a narrative or report context. Example: "During our research, we encountered several unexpected challenges that required us to adapt our approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We encountered no duds.

The New York Times

We encountered some of that.

The New York Times

Here we encountered a problem.

Independent

We encountered so much racism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Later we encountered further administrative obstacles.

The Economist

Even in mid-October, we encountered tourists.

The New York Times - Travel

You can imagine the difficulties we encountered.

The Guardian

In 2010 we encountered Paul Wiffen.

The Guardian

We encountered a couple of duds among the entrees.

The New York Times

Along the trail we encountered two full-grown bull moose.

The New York Times - Sports

"Aside from that, we encountered no other regulations.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we encountered" to introduce a problem, obstacle, or unexpected situation within a narrative or report to maintain a formal and objective tone.

Common error

Avoid using "we encountered" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "we saw" or "we found" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we encountered" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used within a sentence to describe an experience or event that the subject (in this case, "we") came across. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we encountered" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe experiences or events faced by a group. Ludwig AI validates this. Predominantly found in news, media and scientific contexts, it serves to introduce experiences or findings, challenges, or discoveries within a narrative. While versatile, it's best suited for formal writing, avoiding overuse in casual settings. Alternatives such as "we faced" or "we came across" can provide nuanced substitutions depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we faced

Replaces "encountered" with a more direct synonym, implying a more confrontational experience.

we experienced

Focuses on the sensation or feeling of something happening, rather than directly confronting it.

we came across

Suggests a more accidental or incidental finding or meeting.

we ran into

Similar to "came across", but often implies a more unexpected or sudden meeting.

we met with

Often implies a more formal or planned meeting with something, like a problem or challenge.

we dealt with

Emphasizes the process of handling a situation or problem.

we observed

Focuses on the act of noticing or perceiving something.

we witnessed

Implies seeing something significant or noteworthy.

we stumbled upon

Suggests an accidental or unexpected discovery.

we were confronted with

Highlights the challenging or difficult nature of what was faced.

FAQs

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

"We encountered" is typically used to describe an experience or situation that was faced. For example: "During our research, "we encountered" several unexpected challenges".

What can I say instead of "we encountered"?

You can use alternatives like "we faced", "we experienced", or "we came across" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "we encountered a problem" or "we had a problem"?

Both are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "We encountered a problem" suggests that the problem was something external that you came across, while "we had a problem" simply states that a problem existed.

What's the difference between "we encountered" and "we discovered"?

"We encountered" implies facing or experiencing something, while "we discovered" implies finding something previously unknown. For example, you might encounter a difficulty, but you discover a solution.