we went ahead

USAGE SUMMARY

"we went ahead" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to people making a forward movement in time, space, or a mental decision. Example: "We had discussed the options for a while, but eventually decided to go ahead with the plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We went ahead".

The New York Times

We went ahead and added them.

Cornell University

We went ahead with it, but we're divorced now.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We went ahead and added the feature, which is provided in both simple and advanced search.

Cornell University

So we went ahead and pushed the envelope to retire a lot of the risk".

The New York Times

We went ahead and made sure that we cut taxes for the middle class.

The New York Times

We went ahead, and today what we are seeing is a result of that.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I got a structure, and as we went ahead I researched it," Mr. Moore said.

The New York Times

"So we went ahead and did our own environmental review three months ago".

The New York Times - Sports

And so, according to R., "we went ahead and started to try to get pregnant".

The New York Times - Magazine

We went ahead with the dinner, and I didn't mention Sam.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we went ahead" when you want to convey a sense of determination or a decision to proceed despite potential obstacles or uncertainties. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "we went ahead" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in extremely formal writing where more sophisticated synonyms like "we proceeded" or "we implemented" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we went ahead" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a decision or action taken to proceed with something. Ludwig shows that this phrase is typically used when a group (represented by "we") has decided to continue with a plan or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

28%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we went ahead" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that a decision has been made to proceed with a plan or action. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferable in certain academic or professional settings. The phrase appears frequently in news media, academic writing, and scientific publications, signifying its broad applicability. While "we went ahead" conveys the meaning of continuing with something, there are many alternatives depending on your writing and the tone you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we proceeded

This alternative directly replaces "went ahead" with a more formal synonym, focusing on the action of continuing.

we moved forward

This suggests progression and advancement, similar to going ahead, but emphasizes the idea of overcoming obstacles.

we decided to proceed

This is a more explicit and slightly more formal way of saying "we went ahead."

we took the plunge

This implies a bolder decision, often involving risk, but still captures the idea of proceeding.

we carried on

Similar to "moved forward", this implies continuing despite potential challenges.

we advanced

Similar to "we moved forward", this alternative indicates the action of moving forward.

we took the initiative

This implies a proactive approach, suggesting that the decision to proceed was self-motivated.

we implemented it

Focuses on the action of putting a plan into action.

we executed the plan

Similar to the alternative before, this alternative focuses on the action of executing the plan.

we took action

This signifies the start of doing something without delay.

FAQs

How can I use "we went ahead" in a sentence?

You can use "we went ahead" to indicate that you proceeded with a plan or action, often after some consideration. For example, "We considered the risks, but "we went ahead" anyway."

What are some alternatives to "we went ahead"?

Some alternatives to "we went ahead" include "we proceeded", "we moved forward", or "we decided to proceed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "we went ahead" too informal for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the context of your academic writing. In some cases, more formal alternatives like "we proceeded" or "we implemented" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "we went ahead" and "we moved forward"?

"We went ahead" implies a decision to continue, while "we moved forward" suggests progress and advancement, possibly overcoming obstacles in the process. The choice depends on which aspect you want to emphasize.