we sometimes see

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we sometimes see" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something occurs occasionally or is observed at times. Example: "In our research, we sometimes see a correlation between exercise and improved mental health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"We sometimes see lines, two, three and four hours long".

The New York Times

As a result we sometimes see a target far from its actual location.

University of California, Berkeley

We sometimes see people aged 50 or 60 who still have no diagnosis".

Independent

David Calder's excellent Polonius is not the bumbling fool we sometimes see, but the spymaster general.

Independent

"We sometimes see James when he visits his family," Weeks says.

The Guardian - Sport

We sometimes see them on moorland a few miles west of Sheffield.

The Guardian

We sometimes see people taking cash from their pension savings at retirement just because they can.

The Guardian - Money

And they don't know what is typical in the world, and therefore, they do the silliness that we sometimes see.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

We sometimes saw competitive spite when someone whose idea had been rejected by the group no longer worked very hard.

The New York Times - Magazine

None contained detectable lactate, but we sometimes saw acetone or methanol (CH3OH, 3.34 ppm [ 28]).

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

We would return around dusk, when we would sometimes see deer silhouetted atop a ridge against the sunset's glow.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we sometimes see" to introduce observations that are not consistent or universally true. This phrasing acknowledges variability and avoids making overly broad generalizations.

Common error

Avoid using "we sometimes see" when referring to something that is consistently or frequently observed. Overusing it can undermine the credibility of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we sometimes see" functions as an introductory expression used to present an observation that is not always consistent or universally true. It softens claims and indicates that what follows is based on occasional occurrences, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

17%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we sometimes see" is a versatile phrase used to introduce observations that occur occasionally. It's grammatically sound, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, and commonly used in News & Media and Academia. While "we sometimes see" is broadly acceptable, it's important to use it accurately to reflect the frequency of the observation. Alternative phrases like "we occasionally observe" can be used for a more formal tone. Avoid overstating frequency when employing this phrase to maintain credibility. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use "we sometimes see" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we occasionally observe

Replaces "sometimes" with "occasionally", indicating a slightly less frequent observation.

we periodically notice

Substitutes "sometimes see" with "periodically notice", suggesting observations at recurring intervals.

we happen to witness

Emphasizes the accidental nature of the observation.

we now and then spot

Uses a more informal tone to convey occasional sightings.

we at times perceive

Replaces "see" with "perceive", adding a layer of interpretation to the observation.

it is not uncommon for us to see

Changes the structure to emphasize the commonness of the observation.

we are known to observe

Suggests a habitual or expected observation.

we have been known to witness

Suggests the experience has been verified or validated.

our observations occasionally include

Shifts the focus to the observations themselves rather than the act of seeing.

we find instances where

Highlights the discovery of specific cases or examples.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we sometimes see" in formal writing?

In formal contexts, you could use alternatives like "we occasionally observe", "it is not uncommon for us to see", or "we periodically notice" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it appropriate to use "we sometimes see" in scientific papers?

Yes, "we sometimes see" is acceptable in scientific papers when describing observations that are not always consistent. However, be sure to provide sufficient data and context to support your statement.

What's the difference between "we sometimes see" and "we often see"?

"We sometimes see" indicates that the observation is infrequent, while "we often see" suggests it is common. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the frequency of the observation.

Can I use "we sometimes see" to introduce a problem or negative trend?

Yes, "we sometimes see" can effectively introduce a problem or negative trend that is not universally present. For instance, "We sometimes see cases of increased customer complaints during peak seasons."