we lived through

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we lived through" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe experiences or events that someone has personally experienced, often in the context of significant or challenging situations. Example: "We lived through a difficult time during the pandemic, but we emerged stronger as a community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We lived through Stalin.

The New Yorker

We lived through that.

The New York Times - Sports

"But we lived through that explosion.

The New York Times

We lived through 9/11.

The New York Times

"We lived through a night of horror.

The Guardian

We lived through that terrible day.

The Guardian

"We lived through it once," he said.

The New York Times

He continued: "We lived through the collapse of the country.

The New York Times

"But we lived through it and got stronger".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

We lived through two strikes.

Los Angeles Times

"But I think we lived through most of them last year".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we lived through" to convey a sense of shared experience and endurance, particularly when referring to challenging or significant events. It adds a personal and relatable touch to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "we lived through" for minor inconveniences or commonplace events. This phrase carries a weight of experience, so reserve it for situations that genuinely involve overcoming hardship or witnessing significant change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we lived through" functions as a verb phrase indicating a shared experience, often implying endurance or survival. It signifies that a group of people not only existed during a particular time but also actively experienced its events and challenges. Ludwig shows numerous examples of this usage in the news and media.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we lived through" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that conveys shared experience and endurance. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is best suited for describing significant or challenging events, as seen in numerous examples from news and media sources. While appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, it's crucial to avoid overuse in trivial situations. Consider alternative phrases like "we experienced" or "we endured" depending on the specific nuance you wish to express. Its common usage in news and media contributes to its neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we went through

A more general way of saying "we lived through", applicable to a wider range of situations.

we experienced

Focuses on the act of experiencing something, often without the implication of hardship.

we endured

Highlights the aspect of withstanding something difficult or painful.

we survived

Emphasizes the successful overcoming of a dangerous or life-threatening situation.

we witnessed

Focuses on observing an event, rather than necessarily being directly affected by it.

we saw

A simple and direct way of saying "we lived through", often used for specific events.

we passed through

Implies a temporary experience or transition.

we were present for

Highlights the fact of being there when something happened.

we participated in

Implies active involvement in an event or period.

we bore witness to

A more formal way of saying "we witnessed", emphasizing the importance of the observation.

FAQs

What does "we lived through" mean?

The phrase "we lived through" indicates that a group of people experienced and endured a particular event or period, often implying that it was challenging or significant.

How can I use "we lived through" in a sentence?

You can use "we lived through" to describe shared experiences, such as "we lived through 9/11" or "we lived through the recession".

What are some alternatives to "we lived through"?

Alternatives include "we experienced", "we endured", or "we went through", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "we lived through" in formal writing?

Yes, "we lived through" is appropriate in formal writing, particularly when recounting historical events or shared societal experiences. However, consider the tone and context to ensure it aligns with the overall message.