we noticed

USAGE SUMMARY

"we noticed" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that two or more people observed something at the same time. For example: "As we walked down the street, we noticed a peculiar smell coming from the nearby bakery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yes, we noticed".

The New Yorker

We noticed two things.

Stanford University

We Noticed," the cards read.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's one effect we noticed.

The New Yorker

Immediately we noticed the castle.

The New York Times - Travel

"We noticed," some grumbled.

The New York Times

We noticed arm in scarf bulged remarkably.

The New Yorker

"We noticed a different mentality".

The New York Times - Sports

She had, we noticed, strong eyebrows.

The New Yorker

If so, why hadn't we noticed before?

The New Yorker

"Then we noticed unusual demand from Vietnam.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we noticed" to introduce observations that lead to further analysis or conclusions in your writing. This helps create a clear cause-and-effect relationship for the reader.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "we noticed" in formal reports or academic papers. Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "we observed" or rephrasing sentences to emphasize the observation itself rather than the act of noticing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we noticed" functions as an introductory clause or phrase to signal an observation made by a group. According to Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to introduce new information or findings based on direct perception. It typically precedes a statement describing what was observed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

30%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we noticed" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce an observation made by a group. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives like "we observed" may be preferred in certain settings. Remember to vary sentence structure to avoid repetition and ensure clarity. "We noticed" is a versatile phrase that effectively sets the stage for further analysis or action based on an initial observation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we observed

Replaces "noticed" with a more formal synonym, "observed", implying a more deliberate act of watching.

we noted

Suggests a formal recording or acknowledgement of something.

we saw

A simpler and more direct way of saying "we noticed", suitable for informal contexts.

we detected

Suggests a subtle or technical observation, often implying the use of instruments or heightened senses.

we became aware of

Similar to "it came to our attention" but slightly less formal.

we perceived

Indicates observation through the senses, often implying a subjective interpretation.

it came to our attention

More formal and indirect, often used when something is brought to one's awareness rather than directly observed.

we found

Similar to "we discovered" but can also mean simply locating something.

we discovered

Implies finding something new or unexpected.

we realized

Emphasizes understanding or comprehension in addition to observation.

FAQs

How can I use "we noticed" in a sentence?

"We noticed" is typically used to introduce an observation made by a group of people. For instance, "We noticed a significant increase in customer complaints last month."

What are some alternatives to using "we noticed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "we observed", "we detected", or "we saw" to express a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "we noticed" in formal writing?

Yes, "we noticed" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but it's important to ensure the tone and context are appropriate. In some cases, a more formal alternative like "we observed" might be preferable.

How does "we noticed" differ from "we realized"?

"We noticed" implies a direct observation, while "we realized" suggests a deeper understanding or comprehension gained after some thought or experience. For example, "We noticed the car was gone" versus "We realized we had forgotten our keys inside the car".