we are screwed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are screwed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a sense of hopelessness or impending trouble in a situation. Example: "If we don't finish this project by tomorrow, we are screwed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

We are screwed.

The Guardian - Books

Either way we are screwed".

Independent

"We are screwed if we pass it and we are screwed if we don't," she said.

The Guardian

"If it turns out to be the lower figure, we are screwed," Endy said.

The New Yorker

"I'm also starting to worry that if this story gets out, we are screwed," he wrote in an e-mail to the Clintons' advisers.

The New Yorker

Unless he can drum up private funding to support a colony of chimpanzees for conservation studies, Walsh says, "We are screwed.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

If that is what happens, we are screwing the next generation, because we are doing the same as before.

The Guardian

We are screwing up the world, and while that's going on we can feel very depressed about that.

The Guardian - Film

(Because the explanation is: yes, we are screwing you).

Huffington Post

I will not apologize for the nepotism because we are screwing up their world.

Huffington Post

Basically, we're screwed".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "we are screwed" to succinctly express a dire situation or lack of positive outcome. It is best employed when emphasizing a shared predicament among a group.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "we are screwed" in formal writing or professional settings. Opt for more neutral or professional language to maintain credibility and avoid sounding overly alarmist or unprofessional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are screwed" functions as a declarative statement expressing a shared belief or opinion about a negative situation. Ludwig AI confirms that this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science & Research

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are screwed" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a shared sense of being in a dire or hopeless situation. While Ludwig AI indicates it's suitable for general use, it's important to consider the context. It's best reserved for informal settings, as overuse in formal or professional environments can be perceived as unprofessional. Alternative phrases such as "we are doomed" or "we're in deep trouble" may be more appropriate depending on the audience and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are doomed

Emphasizes a sense of inevitable and severe negative consequences.

we're in deep trouble

Indicates a severe predicament with potential repercussions.

we're in a hopeless situation

Highlights the lack of positive prospects or solutions.

we're sunk

A shorter way to mean a situation has no hope, mirroring the idea of a ship sinking.

we're facing disaster

Focuses on an impending event with significantly negative impacts.

we're finished

Highlights that something has come to an end in a negative way.

we're up the creek without a paddle

An idiomatic expression stressing a lack of resources to resolve a problem.

we're in a bind

Suggests a restrictive or difficult situation where options are limited.

we're at a dead end

Emphasizes the impossibility of making progress in a situation.

we've had it

Suggests that something is definitely over with no chance of recovery.

FAQs

What does it mean to say "we are screwed"?

Saying "we are screwed" means that you believe you and the people you're referring to are in a very difficult, possibly hopeless, situation. It expresses a sense of impending trouble and a lack of good options.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "we are screwed"?

The phrase "we are screwed" is appropriate in informal settings when you want to express a shared sense of frustration or hopelessness. However, it is generally best to avoid it in formal or professional contexts.

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

You can use alternatives like "we are doomed", "we're in deep trouble", or "we're in a hopeless situation" depending on the context.

Is "we are screwed" grammatically correct?

Yes, "we are screwed" is grammatically correct. The verb "to screw" when used like this, acts as slang to denote a problem. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.