we were able to find

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were able to find" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that you successfully located or discovered something after some effort. Example: "After searching for hours, we were able to find the missing documents in the storage room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The research study confirmed the same findings that we were able to find in a couple weeks.

HuffPost

We were able to find very few".

The Guardian

But we were able to find a way".

The New York Times

This was not an issue, however, as we were able to find matching motors.

Cornell University

So we were able to find this Nash Equilibrium by using the trick before.

Yale University

We were able to find chatai in the local market and bought that.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"We were able to find a company that fit the bill".

The New York Times

With one girl, we were able to find a few sperm clinging to her pubic hairs".

The New York Times - Science

And we were able to find a wholly vacant multifamily building.

The New Yorker

This time, we were able to find our full complement of 25 bottles.

The New York Times

After long debate, we were able to find mutual agreement on this issue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were able to find" when you want to emphasize the effort or ability involved in discovering something. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "we were able to find" is acceptable, consider using the active voice (e.g., "we found") for a more direct and concise sentence, unless you specifically want to emphasize the ability or effort involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were able to find" functions as a declarative statement, indicating the successful completion of a search or discovery. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were able to find" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to indicate the successful discovery or location of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used across various sources, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it often implies that effort or ability was involved. Consider using more concise alternatives like "we located" or "we discovered" for directness, unless you specifically want to emphasize the ability or effort expended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we managed to locate

Focuses on the act of locating something specifically, often after some effort.

we succeeded in discovering

Highlights the success in uncovering or revealing something previously unknown.

we were successful in locating

Similar to managing to locate, but emphasizes the element of success.

we located

A more concise alternative that still conveys the successful finding of something.

we discovered

Focuses on the act of discovering something new or previously unknown.

we identified

Implies a careful or deliberate process of finding and recognizing something specific.

we came across

Suggests a more accidental or chance encounter in finding something.

it was possible for us to find

Emphasizes the possibility of finding something, rather than the act itself.

we had the ability to find

Highlights the capability or potential to find something.

we determined

Implies a more conclusive or definitive finding after investigation.

FAQs

How can I use "we were able to find" in a sentence?

You can use "we were able to find" to indicate that you successfully located or discovered something. For example: "After searching for hours, we were able to find the missing documents."

What's the difference between "we were able to find" and "we found"?

While both phrases convey the successful discovery of something, "we were able to find" often implies that some effort or ability was required in the process. "We found" is a more direct and neutral statement. Consider using "we located" for an alternative.

What can I say instead of "we were able to find"?

Alternatives include "we managed to locate", "we succeeded in discovering", or simply "we discovered", depending on the context.

Is "we were able to find" formal or informal?

"We were able to find" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is a neutral and generally accepted phrase. You might choose a more concise alternative like "we identified" in certain professional settings.