we underwent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we underwent" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe experiencing or going through a process, change, or event. Example: "During the project, we underwent several challenges that tested our team's resilience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

He says, "We underwent a crucible of intense terror tactics when this thing happened.

The New Yorker

We remember that when the Legionnaires were in town we underwent this psychic amputation.

The New Yorker

Lanet also told us that he had chosen six other Masai men to live with us deep in the forest while we underwent training.

The Guardian - Travel

To prepare, we underwent what felt like heavy combat training – a three-hour matinee in hot weather can be pretty exhausting, like an Elizabethan workout!

The Guardian - Sport

We Czechs know something about this, as the wrenching economic transition that we underwent in the 1990s taught us much about how the right policies can break the grip of hopelessness.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It was for this reason that in March 1968 we underwent a discreet ceremony of marriage," she said in a statement.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

"The existence of dissent demonstrates, indeed embodies, the struggles we undergo in reaching our decisions".

The New York Times

For the first half of our existence we potter along unremarkably; then we undergo a series of revolutions.

The Guardian - Books

Please note that from 2pm today, all comments will be switched off Comment is free, while we undergo technical work.

The Guardian - Opinion

Through this immersion experience, we undergo the same kind of moral education as the characters who lived with the Na'Vi.

The New York Times

"It's probably one of the most frightening aspects of the changes we undergo as we age," said Nancy Ceridwyn, director of educational initiatives at the American Society on Aging.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we underwent" to clearly and concisely indicate that a group experienced or participated in a specific process, training, or event. It's particularly effective when emphasizing the collective nature of the experience.

Common error

While "we underwent" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "we experienced" or "we went through" may sound more natural and less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we underwent" functions as a verb phrase where "underwent" acts as the main verb and "we" is the subject. It describes a past action or experience that a group collectively experienced. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is both correct and usable in various writing contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we underwent" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed verb phrase used to describe a collective experience, process, or change. According to Ludwig AI, it is versatile and applicable in various contexts. It finds frequent use in both news and media, as well as science-related content, indicating a neutral to formal tone. While "we underwent" is typically correct and usable, consider simpler alternatives like "we experienced" or "we went through" in less formal settings. To maintain clarity and precision, it's essential to tailor your language to the specific context and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we experienced

Replaces "underwent" with a more general term for experiencing something.

we went through

Uses a more common and less formal way to express the same meaning.

we undertook

Offers a more formal synonym for "underwent", suggesting a deliberate undertaking.

we participated in

Highlights active involvement in a process.

we were subjected to

Emphasizes being acted upon, often in a negative context.

we were exposed to

Suggests encountering something, possibly without direct involvement.

we were put through

Implies a difficult or challenging experience.

we completed

Highlights finishing a process or training.

we were involved in

Focuses on engagement in an activity or process.

we tackled

Suggests actively dealing with a problem or challenge.

FAQs

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

You can use "we underwent" to describe a process, experience, or transformation that a group of people has gone through. For example, "We underwent rigorous training" or "We underwent a significant organizational change."

What are some alternatives to "we underwent"?

Alternatives include "we experienced", "we went through", "we participated in", or "we were subjected to", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey. Consider "we experienced" for a general sense of having gone through something.

Is "we underwent" formal or informal?

"We underwent" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "we went through". It is suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts. However, in very casual conversation, simpler phrasing may be preferable.

When should I use "we underwent" instead of "we undertook"?

While both imply taking on a task or experience, "we underwent" emphasizes the process itself, whereas "we undertook" highlights the deliberate decision to begin something. For example, "We underwent several tests" focuses on the testing experience, while "We undertook the project" focuses on initiating the project.