we have seen

USAGE SUMMARY

"we have seen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when talking about something that has happened in the past, but which is still relevant today. For example, "We have seen an increase in the number of people joining our group recently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And we have seen successes.

The New York Times

We have seen crime drop.

The Economist

We have seen it all.

The New York Times

beyond anything we have seen".

The New Yorker

We have seen this before.

The Guardian - Opinion

We have seen so much.

Forbes

"We have seen everything.

The Guardian - Business

We have seen them too often.

Independent

We have seen fire and rain.

The New York Times

"We have seen change," Ms. Kwapnoski said.

The New York Times

"We have seen that is not true.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we have seen" to refer to something you and others have directly observed or experienced. This emphasizes a shared perspective and can strengthen your argument or narrative.

Common error

While grammatically sound, avoid overusing "we have seen" in academic or formal contexts where a more objective tone is preferred. Consider alternatives like "it has been observed" or stating the observation directly without personal pronouns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we have seen" functions as a declarative statement, indicating that the speakers or writers have observed or experienced something. It frequently introduces an observation or a conclusion based on evidence. Ludwig AI also confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we have seen" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey shared observations or experiences. It functions as a declarative statement often found in news and media, as well as some scientific and formal business contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that it is usable in written English. While versatile, writers should be mindful of the context and consider more objective alternatives in highly formal writing. The phrase's ubiquity across authoritative sources underscores its validity and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we've observed

Uses a contraction and a more formal verb to indicate observation.

we've noticed

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes attention being drawn to something.

we've experienced

Focuses on personal involvement or undergoing something.

we've witnessed

Implies observing something significant or impactful.

we've encountered

Suggests facing or coming across something.

it has been observed

Uses a passive voice to present the observation more objectively.

as we've noted

Indicates something previously mentioned or recognized.

we are aware of

Highlights knowledge or consciousness of something.

we've come to realize

Emphasizes a gradual understanding or awareness.

we acknowledge

Uses a more formal tone to express recognition or acceptance.

FAQs

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

You can use "we have seen" to refer to something that has occurred or been observed, as in, "We have seen a significant increase in customer satisfaction this quarter."

What are some alternatives to "we have seen"?

Alternatives include "we have observed", "we have noticed", or "we have witnessed", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "we've seen" the same as "we have seen"?

"We've seen" is a contraction of "we have seen". They are interchangeable, although "we have seen" may be preferred in more formal writing.

When is it appropriate to use "we have seen"?

It is appropriate to use "we have seen" when referring to shared observations or experiences. For example, "We have seen firsthand the impact of these policies on local communities."