are we safe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are we safe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inquiring about safety or security in a particular situation or context. Example: "As we approached the abandoned building, I turned to my friend and asked, 'Are we safe here?'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Is an Ofsted inspection imminent or are we safe in our jobs for another year?

The Guardian

"It's always in the back of my mind: are we safe now?

The New York Times - Magazine

For instance, we may be safer from storms – but are we safe from heat waves?

The Guardian

The moral logic of Blue Lives Matter is that we send the police into places where we are too scared to go — who are we, safe in our distance, to second-guess their judgment that a situation has grown too frightening to control?

The New Yorker

But are we safe?

Forbes

Where are we safe?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

How are we safer now?

The New York Times

Are we being safer, or are we really safe?

The Guardian - Business

So how safe are we?

The New Yorker

The common understanding was, "We feel safe.

Conflict and Health

"We're safe, we're safe".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "are we safe", clearly define the context. Specify what you are seeking safety from (e.g., "Are we safe from the storm?").

Common error

Avoid using "are we safe" without context. It's more effective to specify the source of potential danger for clarity (e.g., instead of "Are we safe?", use "Are we safe from cyber attacks?").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are we safe" functions as an interrogative clause, used to inquire about the state of safety or security. It seeks reassurance or information regarding potential threats and the level of protection against them. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase appears in various contexts, signaling its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are we safe" is a common and grammatically correct inquiry used to seek reassurance about safety and security in various contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as an interrogative clause with a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse situations. While generally used correctly, it's best practice to provide context to specify the source of potential danger. Alternatives like "are we secure" or "is our safety assured" can provide a more formal tone when needed. Common sources include news media, reflecting real-world safety concerns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Are we secure?

A more direct synonym focusing on the state of being protected from harm.

Are we protected?

Highlights the aspect of having some form of defense or safeguard.

Is our safety assured?

Rephrases the question in a more formal tone, focusing on the assurance of safety.

Is this place safe for us?

Specifically questions the safety of the current location.

Are we free from danger?

Highlights the state of being unexposed to potential harm.

Are we in a secure location?

Focuses on the safety of the current place or environment.

Are we out of danger?

Focuses specifically on whether an immediate threat has passed.

Can we rest assured of our safety?

Emphasizes the possibility of feeling confident about one's safety.

Do we have anything to fear?

Shifts the focus to the presence or absence of potential threats.

Is there any threat to our well-being?

Broadens the concern to overall well-being, not just immediate safety.

FAQs

How can I use "are we safe" in a sentence?

You can use "are we safe" when inquiring about the level of security or freedom from danger in a particular situation. For example, "After locking the doors, she asked, 'Are we safe now?'"

What's a more formal way to ask "are we safe"?

Alternatives include "Is our safety assured?" or "Are we secure?". These phrases convey a similar meaning in a more formal tone.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "are we safe"?

While generally acceptable, consider the context. In highly formal or technical settings, more precise language might be preferred. Using "are we secure" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between asking "are we safe" and "do you feel safe"?

"Are we safe" inquires about the objective level of security. "Do you feel safe" is about someone's subjective perception of safety. The objective reality and subjective feeling may not always align.