we have accumulated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we have accumulated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to building up a large collection of items over time. For example, "We have accumulated a large number of books in our library over the years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Over the years we have accumulated almost as many door keys as Judith Anderson in "Rebecca.

The New Yorker

"But we also have to get answers to the questions we have accumulated over the years.

The Economist

Our loved ones and friends we have accumulated along the way are an integral part of who we are.

The Guardian

"What I offer to you," he says in his profile, "is the knowledge we have accumulated over the years".

The New York Times - Tech

Beverly and Dick and I have been together for ten years, and we have accumulated a lot of friends.

The New Yorker

And yet, we have accumulated unthinkable numbers of nuclear weapons that can be used in war or by terrorists.

The Guardian - Arts

"For one thing this is the first time we have accumulated the data which proves that this is the case.

The Guardian - Books

"The long-term deficit and debt that we have accumulated is unsustainable — we can't keep on just borrowing from China," President Obama said last Thursday.

The New York Times

Despite all the wealth we have accumulated — increased life expectancy, central heating, plasma TVs and venti-white-chocolate-mocha Frappuccinos — true happiness has lagged our prosperity.

The New York Times

Recycling and waste The move to our new Kings Place offices has resulted in getting rid of large amounts of furniture, IT equipment and other materials, we have accumulated over our 32 years occupancy in Farringdon Road.

The Guardian

A 1944 minute on surveillance of the Independent Labour Party, dismissed nine years previously as no threat, observed: "In the course of officially ignoring the ILP we have accumulated a file of 22 volumes about it".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we have accumulated" when emphasizing a gradual increase or collection over time, especially when referring to abstract concepts like knowledge, experience, or data.

Common error

While versatile, "we have accumulated" can sound repetitive in formal writing. Consider stronger verbs like 'acquired', 'garnered', or 'obtained' to add variety and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we have accumulated" functions as a statement indicating that a group or entity has gradually gathered or built up something over time. Ludwig examples show its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we have accumulated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey the gradual gathering of something over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, especially in scientific, news, and formal business settings. However, for formal writing, consider alternatives to avoid repetition. The phrase's versatility makes it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary, but mindful usage is key to maintaining clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we have gathered

Replaces "accumulated" with "gathered", suggesting a more deliberate and less passive collection.

we have amassed

Replaces "accumulated" with "amassed", implying a large quantity, often with connotations of wealth or power.

we have acquired

Replaces "accumulated" with "acquired", focusing on the process of gaining possession, often through effort or purchase.

we have built up

Replaces "accumulated" with "built up", emphasizing a gradual and incremental increase, often implying a positive or constructive process.

we have collected

Replaces "accumulated" with "collected", a more general term for gathering items together.

we have built a collection of

Rephrases the sentence to emphasize the creation of a collection.

we have compiled

Suggests a careful and systematic gathering of information or data.

we have stored up

Focuses on the aspect of saving or preserving what has been gathered.

we have gained

Highlights the act of obtaining something, often knowledge or experience, over time.

we have built

Using "built" without "up" describes a more immediate construction rather than a gradual growth.

FAQs

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

The phrase "we have accumulated" is used to express that a quantity of something has been gradually gathered over a period. For instance, "We have accumulated a wealth of knowledge through years of research."

What's a more formal alternative to "we have accumulated"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "we have acquired", "we have obtained", or "we have garnered" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "we have been accumulating" instead of "we have accumulated"?

Both "we have accumulated" and "we have been accumulating" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "We have accumulated" suggests a completed action, whereas "we have been accumulating" implies an ongoing process.

What's the difference between "we have accumulated" and "we have collected"?

"We have accumulated" often suggests a gradual and sometimes unintentional process of gathering something over time, whereas "we have collected" implies a more deliberate and organized gathering of items.