our means

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "our means" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the resources or methods that belong to a group or organization. Example: "We need to evaluate our means to ensure we can complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"We lived beyond our means.

The New York Times

We are living way beyond our means.

The New York Times

We're living within our means".

The New York Times

We need to live within our means".

The New York Times

Are we living beyond our means?

The Guardian - Opinion

• We need to live within our means.

The New York Times

We learned the hard way about living within our means.

The Guardian

We do the best we possibly can with our means.

The Guardian - Sport

But our means of accommodation are greater too".

The New York Times - Science

Living within our means and cutting tax on business.

The Guardian

We are going to live within our means".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial limitations, use "our means" to emphasize responsible budgeting and resource allocation.

Common error

Avoid using "our means" when referring to emotional or abstract resources. Instead, reserve it for tangible resources like money, tools, or skills.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "our means" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a determiner + noun, often used to denote the available resources or capabilities belonging to a group or entity. This usage is consistent across numerous examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "our means" is a versatile phrase primarily used to indicate the resources or capabilities available to a group or entity. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used. Its usage spans across various contexts, with high frequency in news and media, making it suitable for formal and informal communication. Related phrases like "our resources" or "our capabilities" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. It's a valuable phrase for describing limitations, setting expectations, and promoting responsible resource management.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

our resources

Replaces "means" with a more direct term for available assets.

our capabilities

Focuses on the abilities and skills available to us.

our capacity

Emphasizes the total amount that can be contained or produced.

the resources we have

Rephrases to highlight resources in a descriptive way.

the tools at our disposal

Replaces "means" with "tools" to focus on instruments or methods available.

our available funds

Specifically refers to the financial resources at our disposal.

our limits

Emphasizes the boundaries within which we operate.

our budget

Focuses specifically on financial means.

our methods

Highlights the processes or techniques we use.

our abilities

Highlights what we are capable of doing.

FAQs

How can I use "our means" in a sentence?

"Our means" refers to the resources or methods available to a group. For example, "We must operate within "our means" to ensure financial stability".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "our means"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "our resources", "our capabilities", or "our budget".

Is it better to say "live within our means" or "live according to our means"?

"Live within "our means"" is the more common and idiomatic expression. It implies staying within the limits of available resources.

What does it mean to say something is "beyond our means"?

If something is "beyond "our means"", it is unaffordable or unattainable with the resources currently available to us.