we are that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'we are that' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that you or someone else is a particular thing. For example, you could say, "We are that team of people who are determined to succeed!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"And it's very clear in the process so far that we are that leader.

The New York Times

We are that place.

Cornell University

We are that guy.

The Guardian - Tech

There we are, that will be £700".

Independent

"Wherever we are, that is Russia".

Independent

I think we are that better country.

The Washington Post

Yup, we are that simple and suggestible.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They think we are that stupid.

The Guardian - Opinion

We cannot feel like we are that dominant.

The New York Times - Sports

We are that city shining on a hill.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

And once again, how fortunate we are that we have coins that say BASILICAVLPIA, Basilica Ulpia.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context provides a clear antecedent for "that". The reference should be immediately obvious to your audience to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "we are that" when the intended meaning is simply a description of current activity or state. This phrase is best suited for defining identity or purpose, not just describing actions. For example, don't say "We are that team playing soccer" if you simply mean "We are playing soccer."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are that" functions as an emphatic declaration of identity or purpose. It's used to strongly associate a group or entity with a particular characteristic or quality. As shown in Ludwig, the phrase aims to assert a defining aspect.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are that" functions as a powerful statement of identity or purpose. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, including News & Media and Academia. The phrase emphasizes a defining characteristic of a group. While versatile, it's best used when you want to clearly assert a group's core values or identity. Be mindful of the antecedent of "that" to avoid ambiguity. The phrase has a neutral register. Ludwig's analysis confirms its practical utility in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is who we are

Rephrases the original statement to place emphasis on identity.

we embody that

Indicates the concept is central to our values.

we represent that

Suggests that the concept is key to the role.

that defines us

Changes the structure to highlight defining attributes.

that's our identity

Uses "identity" to relate the concept to the group.

we are the embodiment of that

Conveys that the concept manifests.

we stand for that

Emphasizes principles.

that's what we're about

Uses conversational tone to highlight core values.

that's our essence

Emphasizes that the concept is fundamental to what.

that is our hallmark

This construction places emphasis on that as a standard.

FAQs

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

Use "we are that" when you want to emphasize a specific identity, quality, or characteristic that your group embodies. For instance, you could say, "We are that team dedicated to innovation," highlighting the team's commitment.

What phrases are similar to "we are that"?

Similar phrases include "that is who we are", "we embody that", or "we represent that". These alternatives also highlight a group's defining trait.

When is it appropriate to use "we are that"?

It's appropriate to use "we are that" when you want to make a strong statement about your group's core identity or mission. It's not suitable for describing temporary actions or states.

Is "we are that" grammatically correct?

Yes, "we are that" is grammatically correct when used to emphasize a specific, defining characteristic or identity. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.