we are even

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'we are even' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that a score, amount, or number is the same between two parties. For example, "We are even. I owe you nothing more."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After all, we are even.

The New Yorker

"So now we are even".

The New York Times

"We are even planning conferences".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We are even talking about genocide".

The New York Times

Stronger than we are, even collectively.

The New York Times

We are even talking about ethnic cleansing.

The New York Times

We are even sorry for her teachers.

The New Yorker

As such we are even partly active in this market.

University of California, Berkeley

I think we are even in the majority.... Q.

The New York Times

We are even more lost when cases are truly complex.

The New Yorker

It's whether, without it, we are even ourselves.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are even" to clearly indicate that obligations or scores are balanced between two parties. It provides a concise way to express that no further debts or actions are required.

Common error

Avoid using "we are even" when you mean simply "equal" in a general sense. "Even" in this context specifically refers to balancing something that was previously unequal. If there was no prior imbalance, "equal" or "the same" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are even" functions as a declarative statement indicating that two parties have reached a state of balance or equality, often after a previous imbalance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we are even" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate a state of balance or equality, often after a previous imbalance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to informal conversations. When aiming for clarity, remember that "we are even" suggests a corrected imbalance, distinguishing it from a general state of equality. Alternatives like "we're square" or "we have reached equilibrium" can provide different nuances depending on the context. Ensure your writing is precise by considering the original state of affairs when using "we are even".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we're square

This alternative is a more informal way to express that debts or obligations are settled and both parties are at zero.

we're quits

This alternative is an informal way to say that a debt is paid or revenge has been taken, leaving no further obligation.

we've settled the score

This alternative emphasizes that a previous imbalance or wrong has been corrected.

we've balanced things out

This alternative focuses on the act of achieving equilibrium after a period of imbalance.

we're on par

This alternative suggests that both parties are performing or achieving at the same standard.

we're on equal footing

This alternative suggests that both parties are now in a position of equivalent advantage or status.

we've leveled the playing field

This alternative emphasizes that previous advantages have been eliminated to create a fair situation.

we're at parity

This alternative is a more formal way of saying that two things are equal or equivalent.

we have reached equilibrium

This alternative indicates that a stable state of balance has been achieved.

we're at a standstill

This alternative implies that progress has stopped and the situation is neither improving nor worsening.

FAQs

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

Use "we are even" to indicate that a debt, score, or obligation has been balanced. For example, "I paid you back for lunch, so "we are even" now."

What's a more informal way to say "we are even"?

A more informal alternative is "we're square", which carries the same meaning of settling accounts or obligations.

Is it appropriate to use "we are even" in formal writing?

While generally suitable, consider context. In very formal writing, alternatives like "we have reached equilibrium" might be more appropriate, especially if discussing abstract concepts rather than direct exchanges.

How does "we are even" differ from "we are equal"?

"We are equal" implies a general state of equivalence. "We are even" suggests a previous imbalance that has now been corrected. If there was no prior imbalance, use "we are equal" instead.