we learned of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we learned of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that you have come to know or become aware of something, often in a formal or informative context. Example: "We learned of the new policy changes during the staff meeting last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We learned of this escapade when we rendezvoused for lunch.

The New York Times

"The minute we learned of that, George contacted conservation experts".

The New York Times

With great sadness, we learned of Irving's death.

The New York Times

"We learned of his arrival in the newspaper," he said.

The New York Times

At the end, we learned of Will's fate.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Once again, we learned of Yahoo's decision simultaneously with the media.

The New York Times

When we learned of these actions, we immediately intervened and stopped them.

The New York Times

It was only in March of this year we learned of this e-mail arrangement.

Independent

"When we learned of these actions, we immediately intervened and stopped them," his written statement said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

We learn of Hutchinson himself.

The Guardian

We learn of his love life.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific verbs like "discovered", "ascertained", or "found out" to add nuance to your writing, depending on how the information was obtained.

Common error

Avoid using "we learned of" in very casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "we heard about" or "we found out" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we learned of" functions as a transitive verb phrase, introducing a piece of information that has come to the speaker's or writer's attention. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase indicates the acquisition of knowledge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we learned of" is a versatile and commonly used expression for introducing newly acquired information. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that it's grammatically correct and appears most frequently in news and media contexts. While suitable for professional and neutral registers, it's best to avoid overuse in overly casual settings. Consider using alternative phrases such as "we discovered" or "we found out about" for more nuanced communication. The many examples Ludwig provides highlight its broad applicability in formal writing and reporting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we became aware of

Emphasizes the process of becoming conscious or informed.

we discovered

Highlights the act of finding something previously unknown.

we found out about

Suggests acquiring information, often through investigation or inquiry.

we came to know about

Formal way to express gaining knowledge over time.

we were informed of

Indicates that information was received from an external source.

we were told about

Implies receiving information through verbal communication.

it came to our attention that

Formal and often used when something unexpected is discovered.

we ascertained

A more formal way of saying 'we found out'.

we gathered

Suggests collecting information from various sources.

we understood

Indicates a comprehension of facts previously unknown

FAQs

How can I use "we learned of" in a sentence?

You can use "we learned of" to introduce information that you or your group has recently discovered or become aware of. For instance, "We learned of the company's financial troubles through a press release".

What are some alternatives to "we learned of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "we discovered", "we found out about", or "we became aware of".

Is it correct to say "we learned about" instead of "we learned of"?

Both are generally correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "We learned of" often implies a more formal or official discovery, while "we learned about" suggests a broader educational experience.

What's the difference between "we learned of" and "we were informed of"?

"We learned of" implies that the information came to your attention through various means, whereas "we were informed of" specifically indicates that you received the information directly from someone or something.