we figured out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we figured out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a process of understanding or solving a problem collectively. Example: "After several discussions, we figured out the best approach to tackle the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That much we figured out for ourselves.

The New York Times - Food

So we figured out that, Beatrice stand up a second.

Yale University

With his help, we figured out the odds.

The New York Times

Have we figured out a way to make online pay?

The Guardian

Then gradually we figured out what we were doing.

The New York Times - Arts

Eventually we figured out who it must be.

The Guardian - Books

Nyasaland, we figured out, is present-day Malawi.

The New York Times

Well, we figured out that they have 170 million in risk-weighted assets.

Yale University

"Then when we figured out what it was, we wanted to get rid of it.

The New York Times

After three careful rereading we figured out what the trouble was.

The New Yorker

I concluded he was using optics directly, and we figured out how.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we figured out" to convey a sense of collaborative discovery or problem-solving. It's appropriate for situations where a group effort led to a solution or understanding.

Common error

While "we figured out" is perfectly acceptable in many contexts, consider using more formal alternatives like "we determined" or "we ascertained" in academic or professional writing to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we figured out" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating that a group has collectively arrived at a conclusion, solution, or understanding. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

16%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we figured out" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that a group collectively understood or solved something. Ludwig AI shows it's frequently used in News & Media and academic contexts, though more formal alternatives might be preferable in certain professional settings. The phrase conveys a sense of collaborative discovery and problem-solving and has several semantically similar alternatives such as "we discovered" or "we understood".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we discovered

Indicates finding something out, often unexpectedly.

we understood

Focuses on the comprehension aspect of figuring something out.

we worked out

Similar to "figured out", but can also imply a more deliberate effort.

we realized

Emphasizes a sudden understanding or awareness.

we solved

Highlights the problem-solving aspect.

we determined

Implies a more formal and systematic process of finding out.

we learned

A more general term for gaining knowledge or understanding.

we ascertained

A more formal and precise way of saying "we found out" with a degree of certainty.

we unraveled

Suggests a complex situation that was clarified.

we decoded

Implies interpreting something that was previously difficult to understand.

FAQs

What does "we figured out" mean?

The phrase "we figured out" means that a group of people collectively understood something, solved a problem, or found a solution.

How can I use "we figured out" in a sentence?

You can use "we figured out" in a sentence to describe how you and others came to understand something. For example, "After hours of research, we figured out the solution."

What can I say instead of "we figured out"?

You can use alternatives like "we discovered", "we understood", or "we determined" depending on the context.

Is "we figured out" formal or informal?

"We figured out" is generally considered informal to neutral. In more formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "we ascertained" or "we established".