we experienced that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we experienced that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific event or situation that was encountered or felt by the speaker and others. Example: "During our trip, we experienced that moment of pure joy when we reached the summit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

He was released soon after, but the memory of what we experienced that day will be forever in our memories.

The Guardian

We drove home that night without incident, without the fear of the roads we experienced that first week.

The New York Times

We experienced that outpouring of solidarity and love and support while he was still sick, and that has helped us to carry on and to feel that no matter how he could be unwell, the world was holding him up in its hands.

The Guardian

We are not even our own mind-forms (after all, there's never been a thought or a feeling or a sensation that we experienced that didn't eventually pass).

Huffington Post

Gary Chapman, a writer, minister and family counselor suggests, making a list in the evening of all the instances of kindness we experienced that day.

Huffington Post

If you remember, the quality of 45s when they came out weren't great, it wasn't until people like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones put out albums that we experienced that fullness of sound.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

We experience that conditioning, yoga suggests, through the guṇas (#6), or tendencies.

Huffington Post

We experience that big reveal just like the people on TV.

Huffington Post

"We never experienced that lull at Petersham.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We experience that the basic ideas are stable across all computed models.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

Why can't we experience that compassion no matter what?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we experienced that", ensure that the context clearly defines what "that" refers to, to avoid ambiguity. For instance, provide a brief description of the event or situation immediately before or after using the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "we experienced that" without a clear antecedent for "that". Without proper context, the phrase can be vague and leave the reader wondering what specific event or situation is being referenced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we experienced that" functions as a declarative statement, indicating that the speaker and others underwent a specific event or situation. It expresses a shared experience, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we experienced that" is a grammatically sound and commonly employed expression used to indicate a shared encounter or event. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts. While versatile, clarity is crucial; ensure "that" has a clear antecedent to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "we underwent that" or "we went through that" offer nuanced variations. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for diverse settings, from scientific reports to news articles, underlining its broad applicability in both written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we went through that

Replaces 'experienced' with the phrasal verb 'went through', indicating a process or ordeal that was navigated or endured. Slightly more informal and emphasizes the process.

we underwent that

Replaces 'experienced' with 'underwent', emphasizing the process of enduring something, often implying difficulty or challenge. It increases formality.

we encountered that

Substitutes 'experienced' with 'encountered', focusing on the act of meeting or facing something, often unexpectedly. The replacement has similar formality.

we lived through that

Replaces 'experienced' with 'lived through', highlighting survival and endurance during a particular event or period. This alternative has a slightly more informal and personal tone.

we had that experience

Rephrases the sentence to explicitly state that the group had a particular experience. Slightly more formal and emphasizes the experience as a distinct event.

we witnessed that

Emphasizes having been present during an event. More formal than "we saw that".

we saw that

Replaces 'experienced' with 'saw', focusing on witnessing something. It is simpler and more direct, less about personal involvement and more about observation. The replacement has similar formality.

we felt that

Shifts the focus to the emotional or sensory aspect of the experience, emphasizing the feeling rather than the event itself. It has similar formality.

that happened to us

Changes the structure to focus on the event happening to the group, rather than the group experiencing it. It is more passive and emphasizes the external nature of the event. Less formal.

we knew that firsthand

Indicates direct, personal knowledge of something through experience. More emphatic and highlights the direct nature of the experience.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we experienced that" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "we underwent that", "we encountered that", or "we witnessed that". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect of the experience you want to emphasize.

Is it grammatically correct to say "we experienced that"?

Yes, "we experienced that" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It indicates that a group of people went through a particular event or situation.

What's the difference between saying "we experienced that" and "we went through that"?

While similar, "we experienced that" is a more general statement. "We went through that" /s/we+went+through+that often implies enduring a difficult or challenging situation.

What are some alternatives to "we experienced that" that emphasize personal feeling?

If you want to highlight the emotional or sensory aspect of the experience, you could use phrases like "we felt that". This shifts the focus from the event itself to the personal feelings associated with it.