we learned that

USAGE SUMMARY

"we learned that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a statement about a concept or fact that was just learned by a group or person. For example: "We learned that the average adult needs 8 hours of sleep each night to be fully rested."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We learned that lesson.

The New York Times

"We learned that horse was not an accessory or luxury.

The New York Times

"We learned that from them".

The New York Times

"We learned that the hard way".

The New York Times - Sports

"But we learned that yesterday".

The Guardian

We learned that in Europe.

The New Yorker

We learned that tragically just two days ago.

The New York Times

We learned that we can be beat".

The New York Times - Sports

We learned that battle last year".

The New York Times

We learned that they really work".

The New York Times - Magazine

We learned that from the California experience.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we learned that", ensure the context clearly identifies who "we" refers to, and the specific source or method through which the learning occurred.

Common error

Avoid using "we learned that" when the learning is specific to a small group or individual. Instead, clarify who "we" refers to for greater accuracy. For example, instead of saying "We learned that the new policy was unpopular", be more precise like "Our team learned that the new policy was unpopular based on initial feedback".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we learned that" functions as a clause introducer, signaling that the speakers or writers are about to present a piece of information they have acquired. It prefaces a statement of understanding gained through experience, study, or observation. This is supported by Ludwig's examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

19%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we learned that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce newly acquired knowledge or understanding, commonly found in news, business, and scientific contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for a wide range of writing situations. Remember to ensure clarity by specifying to whom "we" refers, and avoid overgeneralizing the scope of the statement. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "we learned that" to share insights and conclusions in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we discovered that

This phrase emphasizes the act of finding something previously unknown.

we realized that

This phrase focuses on becoming aware of something.

we understood that

This indicates a comprehension of something.

we found out that

This is a more informal way of saying "we discovered that".

we came to understand that

This suggests a gradual process of learning.

it became clear that

This shifts the focus to the clarity of the information rather than the act of learning.

we ascertained that

This implies a more formal and thorough investigation leading to knowledge.

we gathered that

This suggests inferring information from available evidence.

we had learned that

Past perfect tense emphasizes that the learning occurred before a specific point in time.

we were taught that

This emphasizes the source of the knowledge being external (someone taught us).

FAQs

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

Use "we learned that" to introduce information or a conclusion that a group has gained from an experience or study. For example, "We learned that consistent effort leads to significant results".

What are some alternatives to saying "we learned that"?

Alternatives include "we discovered that", "we realized that", or "we understood that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "we learned that" formal or informal?

"We learned that" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the specific setting.

What's the difference between "we learned that" and "we were taught that"?

"We learned that" implies that the knowledge was gained through experience or discovery, while "we were taught that" indicates that the knowledge was directly imparted by someone else.