we have spent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we have spent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the amount of time or resources that have been used or allocated to something. Example: "We have spent a considerable amount of time researching this topic to ensure we have all the necessary information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We have spent 20 years in silence.

The New York Times

We have spent over £400 million".

The New York Times

"We have spent a few millions.

The Guardian

Since then we have spent about €3.5m".

The Guardian

We have spent their future on tick.

The Guardian

But we have spent a lot of funds.

Cornell University

We have spent our entire existence adapting, OK?

The Washington Post

We love what we have spent our lives building.

The Guardian

We have spent a small fortune on telephone calls.

The Guardian - Money

"We have spent the last 23 years supporting the NHS.

The Guardian

Since 2000, we have spent around £500m in aid there.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotation of "spent" – it can sometimes imply a complete use of resources, so choose another phrase if the resources are still available.

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "we have spent a lot of time" without providing context or specifics. Quantify the amount of time or resources whenever possible to give the statement more impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we have spent" primarily functions as a statement of past action, indicating that resources (time, money, effort, etc.) have been used or consumed. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, providing numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

14%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we have spent" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to indicate the use of resources. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability across various contexts. While it's generally suitable for neutral and formal communication, it's crucial to provide context and quantification for clarity. Consider using alternatives like "we dedicated" or "we invested" depending on the intended nuance. Avoiding vagueness and specifying what was spent on what will significantly enhance the impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we dedicated

Emphasizes commitment and purpose in allocating resources.

we devoted

Stresses the commitment of time or effort to a particular cause.

we invested

Highlights the expectation of a return or benefit from the use of resources.

we utilized

Emphasizes the practical application of resources to achieve a goal.

we employed

Similar to 'utilized', but can also refer to the use of skills or strategies.

we allocated

Focuses on the distribution of resources for specific purposes.

we put in

Informal way of saying we invested time or effort.

we've used up

Focuses on depletion of resources; more informal.

we consumed

Focuses on the using up of resources.

we exhausted

Implies using up all available resources completely.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we have spent" in a formal context?

In formal settings, consider using alternatives like "we have allocated", "we have invested", or "we have dedicated" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "we have spent" and "we have invested"?

"We have spent" implies using resources, while "we have invested" suggests using resources with the expectation of future benefits or returns. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize usage or potential gain.

Is it correct to say "we have spent time for" something?

While understandable, it's more idiomatic to say "we have spent time on" something. For example, "We have spent time on this project" is grammatically preferred over "We have spent time for this project".

What can I say instead of "we have spent a lot of money"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "we invested significant funds", "we allocated considerable resources", or "we expended substantial capital".