we used that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we used that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that was previously utilized or implemented in a specific context. Example: "In our last project, we used that method to achieve better results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We used that pretty wisely and looking back to the World T20 in 2010 we used that pretty wisely too then.

The Guardian - Sport

"We used that concept as a taking-off point for the dance, music and set".

The New York Times - Arts

We used that frustration as the engine for the Arsenal game".

The Guardian - Sport

We used that landmark as an anchor, and it was not as permanent as we all thought".

The New York Times

A: We call each other colored people, black people, but not negro because we used that word in secesh times.

The New York Times

Norby Williamson, an executive vice president of ESPN, said: "We exercised caution, but we used that time to do some reporting and do some checking and ask questions.

The New York Times - Sports

"Sound travels really well underwater, so we used that instead.

TechCrunch

(In the last approximation, we used that η is fixed).

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

So we used that time to buy stocks that sold off.

Forbes

For this simulation we used, that is, spectral combining without noise suppression.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Here, we used that signal and noise have equal power-spectra, as described in Sect.

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience (JMN)

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "employed", "utilized", or "leveraged" to enhance the sophistication of your writing. These can add nuance depending on the context of use.

Common error

Avoid using "we used that" without a clear antecedent for "that". Always ensure the reader knows exactly what you are referring to to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we used that" functions as a statement of past action, indicating that the speaker or writer and their group employed something previously mentioned. Ludwig AI shows various contexts where this phrase connects an action with a prior concept or tool.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

35%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we used that" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that a group has employed something previously mentioned. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent appearance across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general communication. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: always ensure that the reference of "that" is unambiguous to avoid confusion. Consider utilizing alternatives like "we employed that" or "we utilized that" for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we employed that

Replaces "used" with "employed", suggesting a more formal or deliberate application.

we utilized that

Substitutes "used" with "utilized", implying a strategic and efficient application.

we applied that

Substitutes "used" with "applied", emphasizing the practical implementation of something.

we leveraged that

Replaces "used" with "leveraged", indicating that something was used to gain an advantage or achieve a goal.

we made use of that

Rephrases the sentence to highlight the act of using something.

that's what we used

Inverts the sentence structure for emphasis, focusing on the object that was used.

we took advantage of that

Replaces "used" with "took advantage of", suggesting that something was utilized opportunistically.

we drew on that

Replaces "used" with "drew on", suggesting that something was used as a source of inspiration or support.

that was our approach

Indicates that something was used as a strategic method or technique.

we exploited that

Substitutes "used" with "exploited", indicating that something was utilized to its fullest potential (can have a slightly negative connotation depending on context).

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we used that" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "we employed that", "we utilized that", or "we leveraged that". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey about how something was used.

What does "we used that" imply in a research context?

In research, "we used that" typically refers to a method, tool, or piece of data that was applied in the study. For example, "we used that method to analyze the results".

Is there a difference between "we used that" and "we made use of that"?

"We used that" is a more direct and common way to express utilization. "We made use of that" is slightly more emphatic, highlighting the act of employing something for a specific purpose.

How can I avoid ambiguity when using "we used that" in my writing?

To avoid ambiguity, ensure that the antecedent of "that" is clear and immediately preceding the phrase. If necessary, rephrase to include the specific noun or concept instead of the pronoun, for example: "we used the method".