we have ourselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we have ourselves" is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase can be used as a substitute for "we have only ourselves" or "we have just ourselves" to express that one only has themselves and their own resources to rely on. For example: "When the storm hit, we had ourselves to rely on for shelter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

"We have ourselves.

The Guardian - Film

"I think we have ourselves moving in a positive direction.

The New York Times - Sports

We have ourselves an age-appropriate Marc collection, my friends.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Three days down and we have ourselves a bona fide trend at last.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

On the basis of prices we have ourselves inflated, we pay £10bn a year in loans.

The Guardian - Opinion

Buckle up, folks, we have ourselves a heck of a ballgame.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

And we knew we had ourselves a personality".

The New York Times - Sports

We basically have ourselves to blame".

The New York Times - Sports

"We only have ourselves to blame.

BBC

We'll only have ourselves to blame".

Los Angeles Times

Because we have informed ourselves.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we have ourselves to blame", consider if it's appropriate. This construction assigns responsibility directly to the speaker and their group, and can sometimes come across as accusatory or overly harsh.

Common error

Avoid using "we have ourselves" when a simple possessive like "our" is sufficient. For example, instead of "We have ourselves a problem," it's often clearer to say "We have our problem."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we have ourselves" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that a particular situation or possession is now part of the group's reality. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. It often introduces a realization or a new state of affairs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

20%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we have ourselves" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression in English. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it indicates a shared situation, possession, or responsibility. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, its register is generally neutral, making it versatile for various communication scenarios. When writing, remember that the phrase is best used to highlight the shared experience of a group and is not suited when a simple possessive like "our" suffices. Alternatives like "we now have" or "we only have ourselves to blame" are available, depending on the specific nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we now have

Highlights the action of having something.

we've got ourselves

More informal way of saying we possess or are involved in something.

we're in possession of

Focuses more on the state of possessing something tangible or intangible.

we only have ourselves to blame

Highlights that 'we' are the responsible for something.

we find ourselves with

Emphasizes discovering or encountering a situation unexpectedly.

we can count on ourselves

Emphasizes the idea of self-reliance and trusting one's own abilities.

we're responsible for

Shifts the focus to accountability and duty regarding something.

we've created

Highlights that 'we' are the responsible for something.

we've managed to

Highlights that 'we' were capable to reach something.

we are now facing

Highlights the act of confronting a challenge or situation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "we have ourselves" is often used to express that a group is facing a particular situation or possesses something collectively. For example, "We have ourselves a real challenge ahead of us" or "We have ourselves to blame for the mistake".

What does "we have ourselves to blame" mean?

It means that a group accepts responsibility for an error or negative situation, acknowledging that their actions or inactions led to the current problem. It implies accountability and a lack of external factors to fault.

Is there a more formal alternative to "we have ourselves"?

While "we have ourselves" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives might include "we find ourselves in possession of" or "we are now in a position where". Consider also simply stating "we have" followed by the object or situation.

What's the difference between "we have ourselves" and "we have"?

The phrase "we have" directly states possession or a state of being, while "we have ourselves" often emphasizes a shared experience or responsibility. In many cases, "we have" can replace "we have ourselves", but the latter can add a subtle layer of meaning related to unity or mutual accountability.