what we did

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what we did" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to actions or activities that have been completed in the past, often in a reflective or explanatory context. Example: "In our meeting, we discussed the project timeline and what we did to address the client's concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What we did?

The New York Times

That's what we did.

The New York Times

That's what we did tonight".

The New York Times - Sports

And guess what we did?

The New York Times - Magazine

Well, here's what we did.

The New Yorker

We did what we did.

The New Yorker

We saw what we did.

Independent

That's what we did here.

The New York Times

That's not what we did.

The New York Times - Arts

And that's what we did".

The New York Times

AARP endorsed what we did.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing past events, use "what we did" to clearly and concisely refer to the actions taken by a group or team. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, providing a direct way to reference shared activities or decisions.

Common error

Avoid replacing active constructions with vague passive phrasing. Instead of saying "Mistakes were made", clarify "what we did" that led to the situation. Being direct improves clarity and accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what we did" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to actions or activities completed in the past by a group or individual. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what we did" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to refer to past actions, particularly in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread use. It functions as a noun phrase to describe, explain, or reflect on activities undertaken by a group. While its register is generally neutral, remember to consider the specific context and choose more precise language for highly formal settings. Alternatives like "our actions" or "what we accomplished" can add nuance depending on the intended meaning. Avoid overusing passive voice to maintain clarity and accountability when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what we accomplished

Emphasizes the successful outcome of the actions.

our actions

Focuses on the actions taken by the group, maintaining a neutral tone.

the things we carried out

Highlights the execution of specific tasks or plans.

the measures we took

Focuses on specific steps or actions implemented to achieve a goal.

our endeavors

Refers to the collective efforts and attempts made.

our performance

Highlights the quality and execution of actions.

our track record

Focuses on the history of past actions and achievements.

the path we followed

Emphasizes the sequence of actions and decisions made.

our collective effort

Highlights the collaborative nature of the actions.

the initiatives undertaken

Focuses on the projects or programs that were started and pursued.

FAQs

How can I use "what we did" in a sentence?

You can use "what we did" to refer to past actions or decisions made by a group. For example, "That's "what we did tonight"" or "I'm proud of "what we did"".

What are some alternatives to "what we did"?

Alternatives include "our actions", "what we accomplished", or "the measures we took". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "what we did" in formal writing?

Yes, "what we did" is generally acceptable in formal writing, particularly when providing a clear and direct account of past actions. However, in highly formal contexts, more precise language might be preferred, such as "the actions we undertook" or "the initiatives we implemented".

What is the difference between "what we did" and "what we've done"?

"What we did" refers to specific actions completed in the past, while "what we've done" implies a more recent or ongoing impact. For example, "What we did yesterday was successful," versus "Look at "what we've done" so far on this project".