we found out that

USAGE SUMMARY

"we found out that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are writing about a discovery you and others have made. For example: "We found out that the ancient Mayan city had been abandoned for centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We found out that wasn't going to work".

The New York Times - Sports

"We found out that gentrification is a big issue here.

The New York Times - Magazine

We found out that was just pie in the sky".

The New York Times

We found out that was not the case".

The New York Times

We found out that car tires are regularly punctured at the open-air airport lot.

The New York Times - Travel

"We found out that bigger is not necessarily better," he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

We found out that we had been cheated.

The Guardian

"We found out that everyone was eating raw fish.

The New Yorker

We found out that Mr. Spitzer was a hypocrite.

The New York Times

We found out that lasers aren't very good.

The New York Times

"We found out that you can't do a dry stack, four-foot wall," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the "that" clause provides specific and clear information. Avoid vague or ambiguous statements following "we found out that".

Common error

While acceptable, avoid starting multiple sentences with "we found out that" in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for stronger verbs like "discovered", "determined", or "established" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we found out that" functions as a clause introducer. It sets up a dependent clause that reveals a discovery or realization. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates the acquisition of information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we found out that" is a commonly used phrase to introduce a discovery or newly acquired information. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. While versatile, it leans towards a neutral register, making it suitable for news, blogs, and general communication. For more formal or scientific writing, alternatives like "we discovered that" or "we determined that" may be more appropriate. According to the examples, it is found frequently in News & Media and Science contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we discovered that

This alternative uses a more formal synonym for "found out", implying a deliberate search or investigation.

we learned that

This phrase is a simpler and more direct way of expressing the acquisition of knowledge.

we realized that

This suggests a gradual understanding or awareness of something.

we determined that

This implies a more formal and conclusive investigation or analysis.

it turned out that

This suggests an unexpected or surprising discovery.

we came to understand that

This phrase conveys a process of gaining understanding over time.

our investigation revealed that

This alternative emphasizes a formal inquiry and its results.

we ascertained that

This suggests a careful and thorough process of finding something out.

as it transpired, we learned that

This alternative introduces an element of unfolding events leading to the discovery.

the results indicated that

This is suitable in scientific or technical contexts when referring to findings.

FAQs

How can I use "we found out that" in a sentence?

"We found out that" is used to introduce a discovery or realization. For instance, "We found out that the meeting has been postponed" or "We found out that the product launch was a success".

What can I say instead of "we found out that"?

You can use alternatives like "we discovered that", "we learned that", or "we realized that" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "we found out that" in formal writing?

Yes, but it can sound less formal. In academic or professional contexts, consider using alternatives like "we determined that" or "our investigation revealed that" for a more polished tone.

What's the difference between "we found out that" and "we learned that"?

While similar, "we found out that" implies a more active discovery, whereas "we learned that" can refer to information passively received or studied. The difference is subtle and often interchangeable.