we stumbled upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we stumbled upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where you unexpectedly discover or find something. Example: "While exploring the old library, we stumbled upon a rare manuscript that had been forgotten for decades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"So we just decided to have a look around Oakland and we stumbled upon this place".

The New York Times - Travel

After a bit of dissatisfied searching, we stumbled upon the quiet terrain of the Kabak.

The New York Times - Travel

The first problem we stumbled upon was finding a shared understanding of global competences.

The Guardian

Then several years ago, we stumbled upon what seemed the answer.

The New York Times - Travel

Walking home we stumbled upon Ulisses, a whitewashed watering hole facing the Mercat des Peix, a 19th-century fish market.

The New York Times - Travel

"It could be a 22nd-century problem we stumbled upon in the 20th century," says Dr Turner.

The Economist

But then we stumbled upon florid descriptions of the BAM in old Soviet Life propaganda magazines and were intrigued.

The New York Times - Travel

"To say it was not in very good condition when we stumbled upon it is an understatement," said Ms. Kislin.

The New York Times

In our research for the Tokyo city guide, we stumbled upon a handful of beautiful timelapse videos.

The Guardian

When we moved in, we stumbled upon some Kennedy administration-era steel desks at an auction house for $5 each.

The Guardian

For example, a while back, we stumbled upon a surprise $19.99 charge on our Verizon Wireless bill.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we stumbled upon" to add a sense of serendipity or unexpected discovery to your writing. It's particularly effective when describing travel experiences, research findings, or chance encounters.

Common error

Avoid using "we stumbled upon" excessively in formal reports or academic papers, as it might sound too informal. Opt for more professional alternatives such as "we discovered" or "we observed" in these settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we stumbled upon" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of discovering something unexpectedly. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase commonly introduces a surprising element of discovery, which adds an attractive narrative feature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

12%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we stumbled upon" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe an unexpected discovery. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's best suited for neutral to informal contexts such as news reporting and narratives, where it effectively conveys a sense of serendipity. While less appropriate for formal writing, it remains a valuable tool for adding color and intrigue to storytelling. Consider alternatives like "we discovered" for more formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we chanced upon

Emphasizes the accidental nature of the discovery; "chanced" implies a higher degree of randomness.

we happened upon

Highlights the fortuitous or coincidental aspect of finding something.

we came across

A more general phrase for finding something, less emphasis on accident.

we discovered unexpectedly

Focuses on the surprise element of the discovery.

we found by chance

Clearly indicates that the finding was not planned or sought after.

we unearthed

Implies a deeper search or excavation leading to the discovery.

we encountered unexpectedly

Emphasizes the surprise of the encounter.

we ran into

Suggests a casual or unplanned meeting or discovery.

we lighted upon

More formal and literary way of saying "stumbled upon".

we located serendipitously

Highlights the fortunate and unplanned aspect of the discovery.

FAQs

What does "we stumbled upon" mean?

The phrase "we stumbled upon" means we found or discovered something unexpectedly or by chance.

How can I use "we stumbled upon" in a sentence?

You can use "we stumbled upon" to describe an unplanned discovery, such as "While hiking, we stumbled upon a hidden waterfall."

What can I say instead of "we stumbled upon"?

You can use alternatives like "we came across", "we discovered", or "we found by chance" depending on the context.

Is "we stumbled upon" appropriate for formal writing?

While acceptable, "we stumbled upon" might sound informal in some formal contexts. Consider using a more professional alternative like "we discovered" or "we observed".