we saw that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we saw that" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to reference something that was observed or noticed by the speaker and their group. Example: "We were walking through the forest and suddenly we saw that the trees were covered in beautiful, colorful leaves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

We saw that".

The New York Times - Sports

We saw that tonight".

The Guardian - Sport

"We saw that movie in Afghanistan".

The New Yorker

We saw that throughout our government.

The New York Times

We saw that change too.

The New York Times - Magazine

We saw that big time".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

"We see that enrollment is down.

The New York Times

When will we see that like again?

The Guardian

We see that validated.

The Guardian - Tech

Are we seeing that?

The New York Times

We see that difference.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we saw that" to clearly indicate a shared observation or understanding, ensuring the context provides sufficient information about what was observed.

Common error

Avoid using "we saw that" too frequently in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and analytical language to present observations. For example, replace it with "the data indicates" or "analysis reveals" to maintain a scholarly tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we saw that" functions as a reporting clause, introducing a statement or observation that the speaker and their group have noticed or understood. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correctness and provides examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

19%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we saw that" is a versatile expression used to convey a shared observation or realization. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Predominantly found in news and media, it also appears in academic and scientific contexts. While generally neutral in register, it can be adapted to suit different levels of formality. For formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives. The phrase’s primary function is to report an observation, providing context for further discussion. With numerous examples across authoritative sources, "we saw that" remains a staple in both written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we observed that

Emphasizes a more formal or scientific observation.

we noticed that

Highlights a casual or immediate recognition.

we realized that

Indicates a sudden understanding or awareness.

we recognized that

Suggests a confirmation of something already known or suspected.

we understood that

Focuses on comprehension and grasp of information.

we determined that

Implies a conclusion reached after investigation or analysis.

it was apparent to us that

Highlights the obviousness of a situation.

we ascertained that

Signifies discovery through careful effort.

we perceived that

Emphasizes sensory or intuitive awareness.

it became clear to us that

Indicates a gradual understanding or unfolding of events.

FAQs

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

The phrase "we saw that" is used to introduce an observation or realization made by a group. For example, "After analyzing the results, "we saw that" the hypothesis was incorrect."

What are some alternatives to "we saw that"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "we saw that" with phrases like "we observed that", "we noticed that", or "we realized that".

Is "we saw that" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "we saw that" may be considered too informal for some academic or professional contexts. Consider using more precise alternatives like "the study indicated that" or "analysis revealed that".

What's the difference between "we saw that" and "we see that"?

"We saw that" refers to a past observation or realization, while "we see that" indicates a present observation or understanding. For example, "We saw that the project was successful after reviewing the data," versus "We see that the project is on track based on current progress."