we once considered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we once considered" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a past thought or idea that was contemplated but may not have been acted upon. Example: "In our last meeting, we once considered the possibility of expanding our services to include online consultations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Now, when an American refers sardonically to "Brexit", or mentions Britain with a condescension we once considered our sole preserve, it is hard to know how to respond.

The Guardian - Opinion

Things we once considered clear luxuries have somehow become necessities, often without any consideration of how the change in status happened.

The New York Times

If the last two decades have taught us anything, it's that most of the capacities we once considered human exceptional are not as far outside the purview of artificial intelligence as we might otherwise like to think.

The Guardian - Opinion

"If we know tests are rigorous, and they require application to pass, then the experience of clearing a hurdle we once considered too high spurs us on to further endeavours and deeper learning".

The Guardian

Combine this with the fact that many things we once considered private are simply no longer so, and it's clear that your civic courage is sure to be tried before long.

TechCrunch

A growing percentage of its drivers are of the age that we once considered "retired".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Tells about the "two faces" of the situation, using as examples Charles Krauthammer, who maintains that, having become unduly tolerant of things once considered deviant, we are now in the business of making things once considered normal seem deviant.

The New Yorker

Catharine MacKinnon, in "Only Words,O maintains that, having become unduly tolerant of things once considered harmful, we are now suffering from the effects of that permissiveness.

The New Yorker

"Who are we to judge something that was once considered art?" she asked.

The New York Times

We can show similar capabilities in the animal kingdom in every realm once considered uniquely human.

Huffington Post

Jane and Joe Clementi once considered suing Rutgers University.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we once considered" to introduce a contrast between a past perception and the current understanding, highlighting a change in knowledge or perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "we once considered" when you actually still hold the belief. This phrase is best used when there's been a genuine shift in perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we once considered" functions as a clause starter to introduce a statement about a past viewpoint or belief. It typically sets up a contrast with a current understanding or situation. Ludwig AI also confirms that this is the correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

12.5%

Wiki

12.5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we once considered" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to highlight a shift in perspective over time. Ludwig AI validates this usage. Predominantly found in news and media, it sets up a contrast between past and present viewpoints. To ensure clarity, use it exclusively when there is a genuine change of mind and avoid using it when the initial belief is still valid.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we previously believed

Focuses on a past belief, emphasizing the change in perspective.

we formerly thought

Highlights a past thought, indicating a shift in opinion.

we had once assumed

Emphasizes a past assumption that is no longer valid.

we used to think

Indicates a past habit of thinking, now discontinued.

we initially regarded

Focuses on the initial assessment or judgment of something.

we had earlier imagined

Highlights a past imagination or vision that has changed.

it was formerly our understanding

Emphasizes a past understanding, now replaced with new knowledge.

we had at one time supposed

Indicates a past supposition or hypothesis.

we had once envisioned

Highlights a past vision or plan that is no longer pursued.

we originally conceived

Focuses on the initial concept or idea.

FAQs

How can I use "we once considered" in a sentence?

Use "we once considered" to describe a past thought or idea that has since been re-evaluated or changed. For example, "we once considered this impossible, but now we know it can be done".

What is a good alternative to "we once considered"?

Alternatives include "we previously believed", "we formerly thought", or "we used to think", all of which convey a shift in perspective.

Is it correct to say "we considered once"?

No, the correct phrasing is "we once considered". The adverb "once" should be placed before the verb "considered" to properly convey the meaning of a past consideration.

What's the difference between "we once considered" and "we now consider"?

"We once considered" refers to a past thought or belief that is no longer held. In contrast, "we now consider" indicates a present thought or belief, suggesting a current perspective.