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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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we had formulated

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we had formulated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing ideas, plans, or strategies that were developed or created in the past. Example: "After several meetings, we had formulated a comprehensive strategy to address the issues at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Nonetheless, from the scant records and our examination of specimens in natural history museum collections, we had formulated the hypothesis that the variable-scaled anole is ecologically and behaviorally similar to the twig-using anole species that have evolved independently on each of the large islands of the Caribbean.

News & Media

The New York Times

"We had formulated a plan that we would try and thwart them as much as we can while at the same time, when we had the ball ourselves, try and manoeuvre it.

News & Media

BBC

We had formulated the following null and alternatives hypotheses: H 01: There is no difference between the efficiency of usability inspection technique in ERP systems performed with the HPERP or with the HN.

In our view, we had formulated this carefully, never including the term "natural experiment", as our study neither takes place in nature, nor is, strictly speaking, an experiment, but rather a descriptive study.

Science

eLife

For each node, we had formulated best and worst case scenarios and used a one-way sensitivity analysis to evaluate the expected utility across that range varying one factor at the time holding all other factors stable.

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In fact, we've formulated a high-confidence prediction that you love it already.

News & Media

The New Yorker

It's particularly interesting that the study finds that once we have formulated our own views we often enjoy seeing the majority disagreeing.

We have formulated an iPad game that could drive the neural circuitry behind episodic memory by stimulating the ability to remember where things were on the screen," Professor Sahakian said.

News & Media

Independent

2, we have formulated three empirical hypotheses for our research.

Science

SERIEs

We have formulated the SHE in a multi-terminal QD.

For contrast we have formulated a causal model.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we had formulated" when you want to emphasize that a plan, hypothesis, or idea was carefully and deliberately developed in the past. It works well in formal writing and reports.

Common error

Avoid using "we had formulated" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "we planned" or "we came up with" are often more appropriate.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

90%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we had formulated" functions as a verb phrase in the past perfect tense. It indicates that the action of formulating (creating, developing, or devising) was completed before another point in the past. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its use in describing hypotheses, plans, and models.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we had formulated" is a grammatically sound phrase that indicates a deliberate and careful process of creating a plan, hypothesis, or strategy in the past. While not exceptionally common, as indicated by Ludwig, it is well-suited for formal and scientific writing. Alternative phrasing includes "we had devised" or "we had developed". While generally correct as Ludwig AI confirms, its overuse in informal settings should be avoided. The contexts it appears in are generally science and news media.

FAQs

How can I use "we had formulated" in a sentence?

You can use "we had formulated" to indicate that a plan, strategy, or hypothesis was developed in the past. For example: "Before the experiment, "we had formulated" a detailed protocol."

What is a good alternative to "we had formulated"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "we had developed", "we had created", or "we had devised".

Is it correct to say "we formulated" instead of "we had formulated"?

Yes, "we formulated" is also correct. "We had formulated" uses the past perfect tense, which emphasizes that the formulation occurred before another point in the past. "We formulated" simply states that it happened in the past.

What's the difference between "we had formulated" and "we were formulating"?

"We had formulated" indicates a completed action in the past, while "we were formulating" suggests an ongoing process in the past. For example, "We had formulated the plan before the meeting," versus "We were formulating the plan during the initial discussions."

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Most frequent sentences: