we have retreated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we have retreated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a group or individual has withdrawn from a position or situation, often in a strategic or defensive context. Example: "After assessing the risks, we have retreated to a safer location to regroup and plan our next move."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"We have retreated, and we continue to retreat".

The New Yorker

Our problem is that we have retreated too far from the blood and guts of it all.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Instead of rising to the challenge of communicating our ideals of individual empowerment to everyone everywhere, we have retreated into authoritarianism, militarism and politically motivated fear-mongering.

The New York Times

We have retreated to our respective political corners and armed ourselves in an ideological standoff over the very meaning of America, having diametrically opposed interpretations of its past and visions for its future.

The New York Times

I only really understood just how far we have retreated -- and how inured we are to that retreat -- when I got a preview this fall of the Act Up Oral History Project.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the context of a film convinced that we have "retreated into a dream world that allows dark and destructive forces to fester and grow outside", Martin Rev and Alan Vega's track seems to mock the state of blissful ignorance Curtis believes society has wrapped itself in.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Some people fear we've retreated from that position.

The New York Times

We've retreated from globalisation before; twice it has led to fanatical attempts at autarky, social Darwinism and world wars.

The Guardian

The chicken wings were delicious, but blimey, they never told us we'd need ponchos, so we've retreated to the warmth.

The Guardian

"If we had retreated to our normal position of throwing rocks at the government, I don't think the British people would ever have taken us seriously again".

The Guardian

We've retreated to our own comfort zones, surrounded ourselves only with those who agree with us and lost the art of listening to the real concerns and anxieties of those who have opposing views.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we have retreated", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason and direction of the withdrawal. This helps the reader understand the strategic implications.

Common error

Avoid using "we have retreated" when the situation involves minor adjustments or changes, as this phrase implies a more significant and strategic withdrawal from a position or plan.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we have retreated" functions as a declarative statement, indicating a past action of withdrawing from a position or situation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we have retreated" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that indicates a withdrawal from a position or situation, often for strategic reasons. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news and media. Alternative phrases, such as "we have withdrawn" or "we have pulled back", can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context clearly indicates the reason for and direction of the withdrawal to avoid any misunderstandings. It's best to avoid this phrase in situations involving minor adjustments, as it suggests a significant strategic shift.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we have withdrawn

Replaces "retreated" with "withdrawn", suggesting a more formal or deliberate withdrawal.

we have pulled back

Substitutes "retreated" with "pulled back", implying a more tactical or strategic withdrawal.

we have fallen back

Replaces "retreated" with "fallen back", often used in military contexts to denote a forced or strategic withdrawal.

we have backed down

Substitutes "retreated" with "backed down", suggesting a withdrawal from a confrontation or argument.

we have receded

Replaces "retreated" with "receded", implying a gradual withdrawal or decline.

we have disengaged

Replaces "retreated" with "disengaged", suggesting a deliberate separation from an activity or conflict.

we have yielded

Substitutes "retreated" with "yielded", implying a surrender or concession.

we have given way

Replaces "retreated" with "given way", often used to describe a collapse or failure to resist.

we have ceded ground

Substitutes "retreated" with "ceded ground", implying a loss of territory or advantage.

we have retired

Replaces "retreated" with "retired", suggesting a voluntary withdrawal from a position or role.

FAQs

What does "we have retreated" mean?

The phrase "we have retreated" means that a group or individual has withdrawn from a position, situation, or course of action, often for strategic or defensive reasons.

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

You can use alternatives like "we have withdrawn", "we have pulled back", or "we have fallen back" depending on the context.

Is "we have retreated" formal or informal?

The phrase "we have retreated" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the specific situation.

How do I use "we have retreated" in a sentence?

You can use "we have retreated" in a sentence to describe a strategic withdrawal, such as "After assessing the enemy's strength, we have retreated to a more defensible position".