we are gone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are gone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a group of people has left a place or is no longer present. Example: "After the party ended, we are gone, leaving the venue empty and quiet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Then we are gone.

The Guardian

Our wives treat us as dead when we are gone.

The New Yorker

They stay with us long after we are gone.

Harvard Business Review

I fear for Alex once we are gone.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We are gone beyond the stage of a health crisis.

The Guardian

We each sing a song of life and, when we are gone, we leave a melody.

Princeton University

Most of us hope that we will be remembered fondly when we are gone.

Independent

"I honestly cannot say for how long we are gone," she wrote.

The New York Times

"We need people to know what happened here after we are gone".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The mountain was there long before the seagull or I existed and it may be there long after we are gone but the mountain does not care.

Yale University

Now we are gone, it is back on the table.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we are gone", consider the context to ensure the tone matches your intended meaning. It can range from a simple statement of departure to a more profound reflection on mortality.

Common error

Avoid using "we are gone" when a more specific phrase would be clearer. For example, if referring to a temporary absence, "we will be away" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are gone" primarily functions as a statement indicating a state of absence or departure. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, showing its use across various contexts to express that a group is no longer present.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

20%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

14%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are gone" is a versatile expression indicating absence, departure, or cessation, confirmed by Ludwig AI to be grammatically sound. It is most frequently found in news and media, but also appears in academic and formal contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral, the tone can shift depending on the subject matter. Consider context and desired impact when using this phrase in your writing, remembering that phrases like "we have left" or "we have departed" may provide a more precise meaning. Remember that a lot of different sources use this term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are no longer here

This phrase is a direct and simple way of indicating absence.

we have departed

This phrase offers a more formal way to express that a group has left a place.

we vanished

This phrase implies a sudden and mysterious disappearance.

we are done

This is a colloquial and concise way of indicating the completion of a task or the end of a group's presence.

we ceased to exist

This phrase suggests a complete end to existence, often used in a philosophical context.

we are off

This is a more informal and casual way to say that a group is leaving or starting a journey.

we are finished

This phrase suggests that the group's involvement or purpose has come to an end.

we have passed away

This phrase refers specifically to death, adding a somber and respectful tone.

we are out of here

This phrase is an informal way to say that a group is leaving, often with a sense of urgency or relief.

we are history

This phrase conveys that the group is no longer relevant or has become part of the past.

FAQs

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

You can use "we are gone" to indicate departure, death, or the end of something. For example, "After the concert, "we are gone", leaving the stadium empty" or "I fear for my children once "we are gone"".

What are some alternatives to "we are gone"?

Alternatives include "we have left", "we are no longer here", "we have departed", or, in the context of death, "we have passed away".

When is it appropriate to use "we are gone" versus "we will be gone"?

"We are gone" typically refers to a present state of absence or a past departure, while "we will be gone" refers to a future state. For example, "We are gone now, the meeting is over," versus "We will be gone tomorrow for the conference".

Is "we are gone" formal or informal?

The formality of "we are gone" depends on the context. It can be neutral in many situations, but in contexts related to death or legacy, it can take on a more serious tone. More formal alternatives include "we have departed" or "we are no longer present".