we used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we used" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that was employed or utilized in the past. Example: "In our research, we used various methodologies to gather data and analyze the results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We used no electricity.

The New York Times

Like we used to".

The New Yorker

We used Holt International.

The New Yorker

"We used corn silk.

The New Yorker

Or, we used to.

The New York Times

We used ropes.

The New York Times - Books

We used Dropbox.

The New York Times

"We used seven chemicals.

The Guardian

So we used that".

The New York Times

We used to laugh".

The New Yorker

We used to.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing past methodologies or tools in academic or formal writing, consider using synonyms like "employed" or "utilized" for a more sophisticated tone.

Common error

Avoid shifting to present tense when describing something you "used" to do. Maintain consistency by using past tense throughout your description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we used" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past action of employing or utilizing something. As supported by Ludwig, it correctly expresses past tense usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we used" is a grammatically sound and very common construction used to indicate the past utilization of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's generally correct and applicable across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While versatile, synonyms like "employed" or "utilized" might lend a more formal tone in certain settings. To enhance clarity, maintain consistent tense and consider alternative phrasings based on your intent, such as using "we used to" for habitual past actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we employed

Replaces "used" with a more formal synonym, indicating deliberate application or utilization.

we utilized

Similar to "employed", suggesting a strategic or efficient use of something.

we made use of

Emphasizes the act of taking advantage of something available.

we applied

Focuses on the act of putting something into practical operation or effect.

we exercised

Suggests the application of a skill, right, or quality.

we handled

Implies managing or dealing with something in a specific way.

we operated with

Indicates the use of something as part of a process or function.

we worked with

Highlights collaboration or interaction with something during a task.

we drew on

Signifies relying on a resource or source for support or information.

we resorted to

Suggests turning to something as a last option or when other methods failed.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "we used"?

You can use alternatives like "we employed", "we utilized", or "we made use of" depending on the context.

How to use "we used" in a sentence?

The phrase "we used" is followed by the object or method that was employed. For example, "We used specific software to analyze the data."

Is it correct to say "we use" instead of "we used" when referring to a past action?

No, "we use" indicates present tense. To refer to a past action, "we used" is the correct form.

What's the difference between "we used to" and "we used"?

"We used to" implies a repeated action or state in the past that is no longer true, while "we used" simply indicates that something was employed or utilized in the past. Example: "We used to live here" versus "We used a map to navigate".