we found ourselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'we found ourselves' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation in which you and/or a group have discovered a position or situation in which you are now in. For example: “We found ourselves lost in the middle of the woods with no map and no way of getting out.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

WE found ourselves recently in the Garden Room of the White Hart Inn in Salisbury.

The New York Times

We found ourselves broke.

The Guardian

I think we found ourselves tonight".

The New York Times - Sports

We found ourselves talking about ambition.

The New Yorker

"We found ourselves to be kindred spirits".

The New York Times

We found ourselves nodding in agreement.

The New York Times

Suddenly we found ourselves on it.

The Guardian - Music

"Somehow we found ourselves doing a duet.

The New York Times - Arts

"And we found ourselves playing catch up.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, that's what we found ourselves doing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We found ourselves against a wall.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "we found ourselves" with descriptive adjectives or adverbs to paint a clearer picture of the situation, such as "we found ourselves completely lost" or "we found ourselves unexpectedly successful".

Common error

Avoid using "we found ourselves" when you mean to say "we found someone". The reflexive pronoun "ourselves" indicates the action reflects back on the subject ('we').

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we found ourselves" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating an unexpected situation or realization. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes discovering a position or situation that you are now in. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in describing unexpected locations, circumstances, or states of being.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we found ourselves" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe an unexpected situation or realization. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reliable sources. Its use is prevalent in news, academic writing, and general narratives. When writing, remember that "we found ourselves" must be followed by a reflexive pronoun, and consider using alternatives like "we ended up" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we ended up

Focuses on the result or outcome of a series of events, often implying less control.

we unexpectedly were

Highlights the surprise or lack of anticipation in finding oneself in a situation.

we realized we were

Highlights the moment of understanding or awareness of a situation.

we became aware that we were

Places a greater emphasis on the realization and understanding of the current position.

we happened to be

Emphasizes the accidental or coincidental nature of being in a certain place or situation.

we stumbled into

Suggests a lack of deliberate planning or direction in arriving at a situation.

we discovered ourselves

Emphasizes the act of personal discovery within a particular context.

we chanced to be

Similar to 'happened to be', but with a stronger sense of randomness.

we came to be

Implies a gradual development into a specific state or condition.

we were situated

Focuses on the physical or metaphorical location in which someone exists.

FAQs

How can I use "we found ourselves" in a sentence?

You can use "we found ourselves" to describe an unexpected situation or realization. For example, "After hours of hiking, we found ourselves at the summit."

What's a more formal alternative to "we found ourselves"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "we realized we were" or "we came to be" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to include 'ourselves' after 'we found'?

Yes, in the context of expressing an unexpected situation or realization, "ourselves" is necessary. Without it, the meaning changes; for instance, "we found a solution" is different from "we found ourselves in a solution."

What's the difference between "we found ourselves" and "we ended up"?

While both phrases indicate arriving at a situation, "we found ourselves" often carries a stronger sense of surprise or unexpectedness. "We ended up" is generally more neutral and simply describes the final result.