we found that

USAGE SUMMARY

"we found that" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referencing a conclusion or an observation that was made. For example: "We found that the car was more fuel-efficient than we had initially anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We found that intriguing.

The Guardian

We found that person in Sidney Harman".

The New York Times

Thank God we found that out!

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Then we found That Girl Lay Lay.

The New York Times

We found that pretty interesting.

Huffington Post

What have we found that doesn't work?

Huffington Post

We found that Lim3 produces three mRNAs.

Plosone

We found that INZ is not genotoxic.

EMBO Molecular Medicine

We found that".

The New York Times

Instead, we found that there was less.

The New York Times

Recently, we found that they like snakeskins.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we found that", ensure the finding is clearly and concisely stated immediately after the phrase to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "We found that the new policy significantly improved employee morale."

Common error

Avoid using "we found that" to introduce trivial or self-evident observations. Reserve it for findings that are genuinely insightful or contribute meaningfully to the discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we found that" serves as an introductory clause to present a conclusion, discovery, or observation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use. It bridges the process of investigation or analysis and the resulting finding, as seen in examples like, "We found that the new policy significantly improved employee morale."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we found that" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to introduce a conclusion, discovery, or observation. Ludwig AI confirms this. It is versatile enough for diverse contexts, including science, news, and business. While neutral in tone, you can adjust formality by choosing alternatives like "we determined that" or "it was observed that" for more formal settings. Remember to use the phrase to introduce genuinely insightful findings to maximize its impact and clarify the meaning right after the expression. Overall, it is a reliable phrase for reporting results, as displayed in numerous examples from the Ludwig database.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we discovered that

Replaces "found" with "discovered", emphasizing the act of uncovering something new or previously unknown.

we observed that

Substitutes "found" with "observed", highlighting the act of careful watching and noting something.

we determined that

Replaces "found" with "determined", suggesting a more formal or rigorous process of investigation and conclusion.

we concluded that

Similar to "determined that", but emphasizes the reaching of a final judgment or decision.

it was found that

Shifts the focus from the actor ("we") to the finding itself, making the statement more impersonal or objective.

our research indicated that

A more formal and academic alternative, explicitly referencing research as the basis for the finding.

the analysis revealed that

Similar to "research indicated", but highlights the role of analysis in uncovering the finding.

we realized that

Implies a sudden understanding or awareness, rather than a formal finding.

we noticed that

Suggests a casual or incidental observation, less formal than a structured finding.

we learned that

Indicates the acquisition of knowledge, which may or may not be the result of a formal investigation.

FAQs

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

To achieve a more formal tone, you can use alternatives like "we determined that", "our analysis revealed that", or "it was observed that".

Is "we found that" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "we found that" is generally acceptable in academic writing, especially when you are reporting the results of your own research. However, consider using more formal alternatives if the context requires a more objective tone.

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

While both phrases are similar, "we discovered that" often implies uncovering something previously unknown, whereas "we found that" is a more general statement of a finding, irrespective of its novelty.

Can I use "we found that" in business communications?

Yes, "we found that" is suitable for business communications. For a slightly more formal approach, especially in reports or presentations, consider alternatives like "we concluded that" or "we ascertained that".