we barely have

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we barely have" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a minimal amount or insufficient quantity of something. Example: "In this project, we barely have enough resources to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

We barely have enough 911 operators".

The New York Times

We barely have time to do the things we want to do".

The New Yorker

Something's happening, and we barely have a clue what it is.

The New York Times - Science

We barely have room for a strawberry plant, let alone sweeping grassy vistas.

The New Yorker

We barely have enough mentors to support the current students we have, let alone a sudden increase in numbers.

The Guardian

A mighty wind On the way back, the wind pushes us so hard that we barely have to pedal.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

At times we barely had ammunition".

The New York Times

"We barely had time to warm up," defenseman David Inman said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We barely had time to kiss," Rodríguez recalls.

The New Yorker

We barely had time to do anything else".

The New York Times

"We barely had rallies in the first couple of sets.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we barely have", ensure the context clearly indicates what is lacking. For example, specify "we barely have enough time" instead of simply "we barely have".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "we barely have" can sound informal. In professional contexts, consider alternatives like "our resources are limited" for enhanced gravitas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we barely have" functions as a statement of limited availability or quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It indicates that the subject (we) possesses only a minimal or insufficient amount of something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we barely have" is a grammatically correct and common way to express a limited or insufficient quantity of something. As Ludwig confirms, it is widely used in neutral contexts, especially within news and media, to convey scarcity or limitation. While generally suitable, consider more formal alternatives like "our resources are limited" in professional settings. Use related phrases like "we hardly have" or "we scarcely have" to vary your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we scarcely have

Replaces "barely" with "scarcely", maintaining a similar sense of near absence or insufficiency.

we hardly have

Uses "hardly" instead of "barely", offering a close synonym with virtually identical meaning.

we just have

Implies a minimal quantity or narrow margin, focusing on the limited amount available.

we only have

Highlights the exclusivity and limitation of the quantity possessed.

we seldom have

Shifts the focus to infrequent availability rather than quantity, suggesting rare occurrence.

we infrequently have

Similar to seldom, emphasizes the rare or occasional nature of possessing something.

we only possess

Highlights possession and its limitation, with a slightly more formal tone.

our resources are limited

Changes the structure to focus on resources, indicating a general lack thereof.

we lack sufficient

More formal phrasing indicating a deficiency or absence of adequate resources.

we are short on

Emphasizes a deficit or shortage, particularly in a specific context or item.

FAQs

How can I use "we barely have" in a sentence?

You can use "we barely have" to express a lack of something. For example, "We barely have enough time to finish the project" or "We barely have any money left after paying rent".

What phrases are similar to "we barely have"?

Similar phrases include "we hardly have", "we scarcely have", or "we only have", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "we barely have enough"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Adding "enough" clarifies that there's just sufficient amount and not an abundance. For example, "we barely have enough resources" means resources are just sufficient.

What's the difference between "we barely have" and "we almost don't have"?

"We barely have" implies a small quantity, whereas "we almost don't have" suggests a situation very close to complete absence. The first focuses on a minimal presence, while the second emphasizes impending lack.