Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

we're stuck
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Alternative expressions(5)

we are trapped

we are immobilized

we are at an impasse

we are deadlocked

we are up against it

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're stuck in between".

News & Media

The New Yorker

Until then, we're stuck.

News & Media

The New York Times

"We're stuck now".

News & Media

The New York Times

We're stuck here".

News & Media

The New Yorker

So we're stuck.

News & Media

Harvard Business Review

Anyway, we're stuck with it.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"We're stuck," Ms. Pechter said.

News & Media

The New York Times

We're stuck on an island.

News & Media

The New York Times - Arts

'OK guys, we're stuck again.

News & Media

The Guardian - Travel

"We're stuck here now.

News & Media

The New York Times

And there we're stuck.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we're stuck" to express a shared feeling of being unable to change or escape a difficult situation. It is appropriate for both informal and semi-formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "we're stuck" when individual action can resolve the situation. This phrase suggests a collective helplessness, which may not be accurate or productive if personal initiative could lead to a solution.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

91%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we're stuck" functions as an intransitive verb phrase expressing a state of being unable to move, progress, or change a situation. The expression reflects a shared experience of constraint. As exemplified by Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for various scenarios ranging from physical immobility to metaphorical impasses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

Forbes

Less common in

Academia

HuffPost

Los Angeles Times

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we're stuck" is a common and generally neutral expression used to convey a shared feeling of being unable to progress or change a situation. Ludwig's analysis indicates its frequent use in news and media, with its primary function being to express frustration or resignation. While grammatically correct and widely understood, it's important to consider the context and choose more formal alternatives when necessary. The phrase's versatility and frequency make it a valuable part of everyday communication.

More alternative expressions(6)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are trapped

Emphasizes the feeling of being confined or unable to escape a situation.

we are stranded

Highlights the idea of being abandoned or left in a difficult situation.

we are immobilized

Focuses on the lack of movement or progress.

we are at an impasse

Indicates a situation where progress is blocked due to disagreement or lack of solution.

we are deadlocked

Similar to impasse, suggesting a stalemate or inability to reach a decision.

we can't move forward

Directly states the inability to advance or make progress.

we are held back

Suggests an external force is preventing progress.

we are in a bind

Implies a difficult situation with limited options.

we are up against it

Highlights facing a significant challenge or obstacle.

we are cornered

Implies being forced into a difficult or inescapable position.

FAQs

What does "we're stuck" mean?

The phrase "we're stuck" means that a group of people is in a situation that they cannot easily escape or change. It implies a lack of progress or freedom to move forward.

What can I say instead of "we're stuck"?

You can use alternatives like "we are trapped", "we are stranded", or "we can't move forward" depending on the context.

Is "we're stuck" a formal or informal expression?

"We're stuck" is generally considered an informal to semi-formal expression. While it can be used in news and media, it may not be appropriate for highly formal or professional settings.

How can I use "we're stuck" in a sentence?

You can use "we're stuck" to express a shared difficulty or lack of progress. For example: "We're stuck in traffic and will be late," or "We're stuck with this old computer until the new one arrives".

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

91%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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we're stuckGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

we're stuck
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples