we are broke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are broke" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a lack of money or financial resources. Example: "After paying all the bills this month, we are broke and need to cut back on spending."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

We're going broke, or we are broke.

Huffington Post

We are broke.

The New York Times

"We are broke," he said, and he had been elected to balance the state's books.

The New Yorker

"We are broke, and the union's expectations are beyond the pale".

The New York Times

We are broke and have not paid police or soldiers for three months.

The New York Times

"The needs are rising exponentially, and we are broke," Marixie Mercado, a spokeswoman for Unicef, told reporters in Geneva.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"We were broke, broke, broke," he says, "and broke in San Francisco is not fun.

The Guardian - Books

And we were broke.

The New York Times

We're broke".

The New York Times

"But we were broke.

Independent

We're broke people".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are broke" to directly and clearly communicate a lack of financial resources. It's best suited for informal or neutral contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "we are broke" in formal business reports or academic papers. Opt for more professional language like "we are experiencing financial constraints" or "we are facing budgetary limitations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are broke" functions as a declarative statement expressing a state of financial insolvency or a lack of funds. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to directly communicate this financial condition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we are broke" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that communicates a lack of financial resources. As Ludwig AI indicates, the expression is correct and commonly used. While "we are broke" is widely understood, it's crucial to consider the context. More formal or professional situations may require more nuanced language, such as "we are facing budgetary limitations". Key insights include its prevalent use in News & Media and its straightforward, neutral tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are flat broke

Emphasizes the complete lack of funds.

we are penniless

Replaces "broke" with a more formal term for having no money.

we are strapped for cash

Suggests a temporary shortage of money.

we are out of funds

A more formal way of saying there is no money left.

we are insolvent

Indicates a more severe financial state, suggesting inability to pay debts.

we are cleaned out

Suggests that all available money has been used.

we are in the red

Indicates that finances are negative or in debt.

our coffers are empty

A more figurative way of expressing a lack of funds.

we are financially ruined

Implies a state of irreversible financial damage.

we don't have two pennies to rub together

An idiom emphasizing extreme poverty.

FAQs

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

You can use "we are broke" to express a lack of funds. For example: "After the unexpected expenses, we are broke."

What can I say instead of "we are broke"?

Alternatives include phrases like "we are penniless", "we are out of funds", or "we are strapped for cash" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "we are broke" in professional communication?

While "we are broke" is grammatically correct, it may be too informal for professional settings. Consider using more formal alternatives such as "we are experiencing financial difficulties" or "we have limited resources".

What's the difference between "we are broke" and "we are bankrupt"?

"We are broke" indicates a general lack of funds, while "we are bankrupt" implies a legal declaration of inability to pay debts. Bankruptcy is a more severe and formal condition.