we were able to solve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were able to solve" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a successful resolution to a problem or challenge that was previously encountered. Example: "After several hours of brainstorming, we were able to solve the technical issue that was delaying the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

We are thankful that we were able to solve this case so quickly".

Independent

"A problem that we were able to solve through our own germination studies with our conservation collections.

The Guardian

But if we were able to solve our energy needs this way — and that is still a very open question; we just don't have enough information to know for sure — I believe the risks would be well worth enduring.

The New Yorker

It's not about the tech, which was proven to be powerful by some cases we were able to solve.

TechCrunch

By wrapping the separated workflow definition in its own task, we were able to solve the problem of duplicated parameters.

Journal of Cheminformatics

We were able to solve this game straightforwardly because we set the utility functions in such a way as to make it zero-sum, or strictly competitive.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Our brains think differently enough that we're able to solve the puzzle together whereas separately neither of us would be able to finish the thing.

The New York Times

We are able to solve problem (1.2), writing it as an abstract problem of type (1.1).

Boundary Value Problems

Next, we are able to solve the problem in the two considered cases.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

We're able to solve the demographic problem, and improve productivity at the same time".

TechCrunch

We are able to solve this equation and then to have the velocity auto-correlation function D t).

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Physics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were able to solve", ensure that the context clearly indicates the problem that was solved and the impact of its resolution. This adds clarity and emphasizes the significance of the accomplishment.

Common error

Avoid using "we were able to solve" for trivial issues. Reserve it for situations where the solution required significant effort or had a substantial positive impact. Otherwise, it can sound boastful or exaggerate the importance of the achievement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were able to solve" functions as a declarative statement expressing the successful resolution of a problem or challenge. It highlights the agent's (we) capacity and achievement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were able to solve" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate the successful resolution of a problem. Ludwig AI confirms this with real-world examples from diverse sources, including science, news media, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it is important to reserve it for situations where significant effort was involved to avoid sounding boastful. Alternatives like "we managed to solve" or "we succeeded in solving" can offer subtle nuances in emphasis. Overall, "we were able to solve" is a reliable and effective way to communicate accomplishment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we managed to solve

Replaces "were able" with "managed", indicating successful effort.

we succeeded in solving

Substitutes "were able" with "succeeded in", emphasizing accomplishment.

we resolved

Uses a more concise verb, "resolved", implying a direct solution.

we found a solution to

Emphasizes the discovery of a solution rather than the ability.

we overcame

Highlights the act of overcoming a difficulty in finding a solution.

we addressed

Implies dealing with and resolving a problem, often in a formal setting.

we rectified

Suggests correcting something that was wrong or deficient.

the problem was solved by us

Changes the sentence structure to passive voice to focus on the problem.

we have solved

Using present perfect to emphasize the current relevance of the solved problem.

we determined the solution

Focuses on identifying or establishing what the solution is, rather than the process of solving.

FAQs

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

Use "we were able to solve" when you want to highlight the successful resolution of a problem. For example, "After extensive research, "we were able to solve" the equation" or "We were able to solve the customer's issue quickly".

What are some alternatives to "we were able to solve"?

You can use alternatives like "we managed to solve", "we succeeded in solving", or "we resolved" depending on the context.

Is "we were able to solve it" more formal than "we solved it"?

"We were able to solve it" is slightly more formal and emphasizes the effort or ability required to reach the solution, while "we solved it" is a more direct and concise statement of accomplishment.

What is the difference between "we were able to solve" and "we could solve"?

"We were able to solve" indicates a completed action of solving something, while "we could solve" suggests a potential or hypothetical ability to solve something, but not necessarily an actual solution. For example, "We were able to solve the problem after hours of work" vs. "If we had more resources, "we could solve" the problem".