we have lived

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we have lived" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a shared experience or duration of existence in the past that continues to the present. Example: "In this small town, we have lived for over a decade, witnessing its transformation over the years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

We have lived together.

The Guardian - Film

"We have lived in this situation before.

The New Yorker

"We have lived through black months".

Independent

"We have lived through it.

The Guardian

That's what we have lived.

The Guardian

We have lived the book.

The Guardian - Books

"We have lived in foxholes together.

The New York Times

We have lived here for generations.

The New York Times

We have lived through tougher times".

The Guardian

Since 1992, we have lived in Ireland.

The New York Times

"Since then, we have lived in sunlight and in shadow".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we have lived", consider what specific details or context you can add to make the statement more impactful. Instead of a general statement, provide examples or anecdotes that illustrate the shared experiences.

Common error

Don't use "we have lived" as a vague statement lacking specific details or examples. This can weaken the impact and make the statement feel impersonal. Provide concrete details to support your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we have lived" functions as a statement of shared experience or duration. It's a present perfect construction indicating actions or states that began in the past and continue to have relevance in the present. Ludwig provides many examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we have lived" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey shared experiences, duration of existence, or collective histories. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples of its application across various contexts, primarily in news and media. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse audiences, while its purpose is to create a sense of shared identity and collective memory. Whether highlighting enduring challenges or celebrating common achievements, "we have lived" effectively communicates a sense of shared history.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we have existed

Emphasizes the state of being or existence over a period.

we have experienced

Highlights the events, situations, or feelings encountered over time.

we have resided

Focuses on the act of living in a specific place.

we have spent our lives

Implies a longer duration and a more significant commitment of time.

we have been through

Highlights overcoming challenges or enduring difficult situations.

we have known

Indicates familiarity or awareness gained over a period.

we have endured

Emphasizes perseverance and the ability to withstand hardship.

we have inhabited

Formal way of stating living in a place, often referring to a region or environment.

we have passed

Suggests the passing of time or a stage in life.

we have seen

Emphasizes witnessing or observing events or changes.

FAQs

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

The phrase "we have lived" is used to describe shared experiences or a duration of existence. For instance, "We have lived in this town for many years" indicates a shared history in a specific location.

What are some alternatives to "we have lived"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "we have existed", "we have experienced", or "we have resided".

Is it correct to say "we have lived through"?

Yes, "we have lived through" is a correct and common phrase. It emphasizes enduring or experiencing something difficult or significant, such as "we have lived through tough times".

What is the difference between "we have lived" and "we lived"?

"We have lived" (present perfect) implies that the experience or state of living continues to have relevance or connection to the present. "We lived" (simple past) refers to a completed period in the past with no direct connection to the present. For instance, "We have lived here for years" means we still live here, whereas "We lived there" implies we no longer do.