we have devolved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we have devolved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a regression or decline in quality, complexity, or sophistication over time. Example: "In recent years, we have devolved into a society that prioritizes sensationalism over substance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

We have devolved into a torpid nation of couch potatoes.

The New York Times - Magazine

As consumers we have devolved our meter reading to the energy companies.

The Guardian

He continued, "Consistent with President Trump's guidance, we have devolved responsibility and authorities back to the departments".

The New Yorker

I feel like we have devolved!" For women: "Without women there would be no humans!" And for mums everywhere: "There's nothing worse than being cold at a concert".

The Guardian - Music

I interviewed him for a BBC radio show based on a column I wrote for The Times about how we have devolved from Marilyn's aspirational attitude toward knowledge, in which she wanted to collect great books and meet authors and intellectuals — even marrying one — to Sarah Palin's anti-elitist scorn about reading and intellectuals.

The New York Times

When it comes to practicing a mindful, healthy leisure, we have devolved over time.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

We've devolved into these opposing tribes and teams.

Forbes

I don't know what's happened since the Enlightenment, but it seems we've devolved.

Huffington Post

Instead of encouraging the push for the bigger and better, we've devolved into stagnated creators that build something half decent to get acquired by a tech-titan that only cares to exercise your influence from the free market.

Huffington Post

If selfie death teaches us anything, it's that we as a species are doomed – that we've devolved into some combination of parakeets distracted in a mirror and lemmings waltzing blithely off a cliff, dying not through misadventure, but by not paying attention.

Vice

We should have devolved more power away from Whitehall and Westminster.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we have devolved" when you want to emphasize a gradual decline from a previous, more complex or sophisticated state. Ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject has devolved from.

Common error

Avoid using "we have devolved" without clearly identifying the factors that contributed to the decline. Ambiguity can weaken the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we have devolved" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect tense. It typically expresses a completed action with present relevance, indicating that a decline or regression has occurred and continues to have an effect. As Ludwig AI also confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we have devolved" effectively conveys a sense of decline or regression from a previous state. As Ludwig AI states, it's a correct and usable phrase. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it is used to critique societal shifts or organizational shortcomings. While grammatically sound and frequently used, it's important to use the phrase in context and specify the factors that contributed to the process of devolution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we have declined

Replaces "devolved" with a more straightforward term for diminishing quality or ability.

we have deteriorated

Suggests a more severe degradation or decay than "devolved".

we have regressed

Implies a return to a former, less developed state.

we have sunk

Conveys a sense of falling to a lower level, often morally or ethically.

we have degraded

Similar to "deteriorated", but can also refer to environmental or technological decline.

we have fallen

A general term for a loss of status or quality.

we have descended

Implies a downward movement, often in a metaphorical sense.

we have stooped

Suggests a deliberate lowering of oneself, often in terms of behavior.

we have transferred responsibility

Focuses on the act of shifting responsibility rather than a decline.

we have passed down

Indicates responsibility has been delegated to someone else.

FAQs

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

Use "we have devolved" to describe a regression or decline from a previous state. For example, "In recent years, "we have devolved" into a society that prioritizes sensationalism over substance."

What can I say instead of "we have devolved"?

You can use alternatives like "we have declined", "we have regressed", or "we have deteriorated" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "we have devolved"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Devolved" is the past participle of "devolve", and it's used correctly with the auxiliary verb "have" to form the present perfect tense.

What's the difference between "we have devolved" and "we have evolved"?

"We have evolved" implies progress and development, while ""we have devolved"" indicates a decline or regression to a simpler or less sophisticated state. They have opposite meanings.