we have discerned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we have discerned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that you have recognized or identified something through careful observation or analysis. Example: "After thorough research, we have discerned a pattern in the data that suggests a significant trend."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

We have discerned what happened to those sales and prices ever since.

The New York Times

From that, we will discuss different ideal types of information seekers that we have discerned from the material and how to approach them.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

We have discerned regional spatial patterns in glaciological response behavior; these patterns are best attributed to climate-change variability and to regional differences in glacier size and response times.

Remote Sensing of Environment

We have discerned certain phenotypes that contribute to cell death, which may guide rational development of these drugs or formulation of synergistic drug combinations to enhance chemotherapeutic efficacy.

Cell Death and Disease

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

(Moderately clever readers will have discerned how by this point).

The New York Times - Books

(Directors cast her to sing; only Cocteau seems to have discerned her talents as a comedian).

The New Yorker

Some African art scholars have discerned European stylistic influences in Benin bronzes.

The New York Times

But the ideological threat that some have discerned in Molinari's job switch is negligible.

The New Yorker

But one tidbit that scientists have discerned is the peculiar but predictable pattern in which dreams tend to occur.

The New York Times - Health

Another trend the Stolzmans have discerned is a growing use of smaller sanctuaries that are more intimate and communal.

The New York Times

To judge from comments on a City Room post, some viewers have discerned the word "HE" in the facade.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we have discerned" when you want to emphasize a careful and insightful understanding or recognition of something that wasn't immediately obvious. It suggests a deeper level of analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "we have discerned" for simple observations that don't require deep analysis. Using it in such cases can make your writing sound unnecessarily pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "we noticed" or "we saw".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we have discerned" functions as a statement of discovery or recognition achieved through careful observation or analysis. As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates a process of gaining insight, often suggesting a deeper understanding than simple observation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we have discerned" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that indicates a careful and insightful understanding of something. According to Ludwig, its usage is suitable when emphasizing a deeper level of analysis. While the phrase appears primarily in scientific and news contexts, overuse in simple observations should be avoided. Consider alternatives such as "we have identified" or "we have observed" for simpler contexts. By understanding the nuances of this phrase, writers can effectively communicate their insights with precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we have identified

Focuses on pinpointing something specific after examination.

we have observed

Emphasizes noticing something through careful attention.

we have recognized

Highlights acknowledging something previously unknown.

we have detected

Implies using specific methods to find something subtle.

we have understood

Focuses on gaining a comprehensive grasp of something.

we have discovered

Suggests finding something new or unexpected.

we have ascertained

Emphasizes confirming something with certainty.

we have determined

Implies reaching a conclusion after investigation.

we have perceived

Highlights subjective awareness or impression.

we have learned

Focuses on acquiring knowledge or skill.

FAQs

How can I use "we have discerned" in a sentence?

Use "we have discerned" to indicate that you have recognized or identified something subtle or complex through careful observation or analysis. For example, "After analyzing the data, we have discerned a clear trend."

What are some alternatives to "we have discerned"?

You can use alternatives like "we have identified", "we have observed", or "we have recognized" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "we discerned" grammatically correct?

Yes, both "we discerned" and "we have discerned" are grammatically correct. "We discerned" is simple past tense, while "we have discerned" is present perfect. The present perfect tense ("we have discerned") emphasizes the continuing relevance or impact of the discernment.

When should I use "we discerned" versus "we have discerned"?

Use "we discerned" when you're referring to a specific point in the past when the discernment occurred and its continuing relevance isn't the focus. Use "we have discerned" when you want to emphasize the ongoing impact or relevance of the discernment to the present situation.