we knew that

USAGE SUMMARY

"we knew that" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that the speaker or writer already had knowledge of something. Example: "We knew that the project would be challenging, but we were determined to see it through to completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

We knew that was the winner".

The New York Times - Sports

"We knew that already!" they declared.

The New York Times

We knew that was important to publishers".

The New York Times

We knew that was rubbish.

The Guardian

"We knew that was edgy.

The Washington Post

We knew that long ago.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

We know that exists.

The New York Times - Sports

We know that story.

Independent

We know that well".

The New Yorker

We know that was wrong.

The New York Times

But we know that story.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we knew that" to succinctly express prior awareness or understanding of a situation or fact, adding context or explanation as necessary. It can effectively introduce a contrasting viewpoint or next step based on that prior knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "we knew that" repeatedly in the same paragraph or section. Vary your language with synonyms like "we were aware" or "we anticipated" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we knew that" functions as a statement of prior knowledge or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common expression used to indicate awareness of something before it was explicitly stated or occurred. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

20%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we knew that" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate prior knowledge or awareness. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and typical usage. While versatile, its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for news, general discussions, and some academic contexts. When formality is paramount, consider synonyms like "we were aware of that". By avoiding overuse and selecting appropriate contexts, you can effectively leverage "we knew that" to convey shared understanding and set the stage for further explanations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were aware of that

Replaces "knew" with "were aware", emphasizing the state of being informed.

that was already known to us

Emphasizes that the knowledge was previously held by the group.

we had prior knowledge of that

Highlights the existence of previous awareness regarding the mentioned fact.

that information was not new to us

Focuses on the novelty of the information, stating it wasn't new.

we anticipated that

Suggests a degree of expectation or prediction.

we foresaw that

Indicates a prediction or anticipation of a future event.

it was no surprise to us

Highlights the lack of astonishment or shock.

we had expected that

Emphasizes a previous expectation.

we were not ignorant of that

Formally asserts knowledge or awareness.

that was our understanding

Highlights that the knowledge was collectively shared.

FAQs

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

In formal contexts, you can replace "we knew that" with phrases like "we were aware of that", "we possessed prior knowledge of that", or "that information was previously known to us".

Is "we knew that" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "we knew that" might be considered too informal for some academic contexts. Consider alternatives like "we were aware of that" or "it was already known that" to maintain a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "we knew that" and "we know that"?

"We knew that" refers to past knowledge or awareness, while "we know that" indicates current knowledge or understanding. For example, "We knew that the project would be challenging" (in the past) versus "We know that the project is challenging" (currently).

When should I use "we knew that" versus "I knew that"?

Use "we knew that" when referring to shared knowledge within a group or team. Use "I knew that" when referring to personal knowledge or awareness.