we have

USAGE SUMMARY

"we have" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when there is an established understanding between the speaker and the listener that something is or has been shared or discussed. For example: "We have discussed this matter at length and have decided that the best course of action is to..."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have.

Forbes

What we have, we have to protect".

The New York Times

We have quotas we have to meet.

The New York Times

"We have standards we have to meet.

The New York Times

"But we have hope – we have to".

The Guardian

"But we have what we have.

The New York Times

Everything we have touched, we have changed.

The New York Times

"We have..

Cornell University

We have credit scores.

The New York Times

"We have no fear.

The New York Times

"We have been nowhere.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we have" to clearly state shared attributes, responsibilities, or experiences within a group or organization. Ensure the context makes it clear who "we" refers to, for example, "As a team, we have the expertise to address this challenge."

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "we have" in formal reports or academic papers. Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we have" primarily functions as a declarative statement indicating possession, obligation, experience, or a state of being. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we have" is a common and versatile expression used to indicate possession, obligation, or experience. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It is most frequently found in news and media, academic writing, and formal business contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the context and audience when choosing between "we have" and its contracted form, "we've". When aiming for formality, avoid contractions and overuse at the beginning of sentences. Related phrases such as "we possess" or "we are in possession of" can be used to add formality or variation. Overall, "we have" is a reliable and widely accepted phrase in standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we've got

This alternative is a contraction and more informal version of "we have."

we possess

This alternative replaces "have" with a more formal synonym, "possess", indicating ownership or control.

we own

This alternative replaces "have" with "own", suggesting exclusive rights or title to something.

we are in possession of

This alternative uses a more extended phrase to emphasize the state of possessing something.

we must

This alternative shifts the meaning to express obligation or necessity, rather than possession.

we are experiencing

This alternative changes the focus to describe an event or condition that is happening to "us".

we are undergoing

This also shifts the meaning to something that is going on for the "we".

it is incumbent upon us

This expresses an obligation using a more formal and passive construction.

we can offer

This alternative changes to the expression of an offer or a possibility available.

we can provide

This changes the expression to highlight the capacity of "us" to give something.

FAQs

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

"We have" is used to indicate possession, obligation, or experience. For example, "We have a meeting scheduled for tomorrow" or "We have to submit the report by Friday."

What's a more formal way to say "we have"?

In formal contexts, consider using "we possess" or "we are in possession of" as alternatives to "we have". For example, instead of "We have the necessary resources", you could say "We possess the necessary resources".

Is it okay to use "we've got" instead of "we have"?

"We've got" is an informal contraction of "we have". While acceptable in casual conversation, it's best to use "we have" in formal writing.

When should I avoid using "we have"?

Avoid overusing "we have" at the beginning of sentences, especially in formal writing. Vary your sentence structure for a more polished and engaging style. For instance, instead of "We have implemented a new strategy", try "A new strategy has been implemented" or consider an alternative structure with "due to".