we have underestimated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we have underestimated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when acknowledging that a person, situation, or factor has been evaluated as less significant or impactful than it actually is. Example: "In our analysis, we have underestimated the potential risks associated with the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have underestimated the importance of trees.

The New York Times

I think we have underestimated them.

The Guardian

We have underestimated him before this time last year.

The New Yorker

"The short-term harms we have underestimated in the past.

The Guardian

"I think that we have underestimated what the Paleolithic people were capable of".

The New York Times

"What annoys me is that people are throwing accusations that we have underestimated Shakhter.

The Guardian - Sport

One member of the government said: "From the very beginning we have underestimated Ed Miliband.

The Guardian

He said: We have underestimated the weakness of Halfords' markets and this has had three implications.

The Guardian - Business

His production looks set to be further proof that we have underestimated the earlier Mamet.

Independent

But, without diminishing the impact of Osborne and his contemporaries, I think we have underestimated the resilience of tradition.

The Guardian

"To date, we have underestimated how much the heat-related expansion of the water mass in the oceans contributes to a global rise in sea level," said co-author Jurgen Kusche, a professor at the University of Bonn.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we have underestimated", provide concrete examples or data to support the claim, enhancing credibility and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "we have underestimated" repeatedly in a manner that undermines confidence. Balance acknowledgments of past misjudgments with forward-looking strategies and revised assessments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we have underestimated" serves as a declarative statement expressing a revised evaluation. It acknowledges that a prior assessment was inaccurate, often implying a need for updated understanding or action, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we have underestimated" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to acknowledge a previous misjudgment or undervaluation. Appearing frequently in both scientific and news contexts, as identified by Ludwig, the phrase indicates a need to revise perspectives based on new information or a better understanding. Alternative phrases like "we have misjudged" or "we have undervalued" can be used for variety. While using the phrase, ensure it is supported by evidence and avoid overusing it in a self-deprecating manner. Ludwig confirms the phrase's correctness and provides numerous examples of its proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we have misjudged

Indicates a faulty assessment or incorrect judgment made about something.

we have undervalued

Suggests a lack of recognition of the true worth or importance of something.

we have underestimated the importance of

Specifically highlights the failure to recognize the significance of a particular aspect.

we have failed to appreciate

Implies a lack of understanding or gratitude for something's value.

we have overlooked

Indicates a failure to notice or consider something important.

we have minimized

Suggests that something has been deliberately represented as less significant than it is.

we have downplayed

Indicates a deliberate attempt to reduce the perceived importance of something.

we have miscalculated

Suggests an error in numerical or quantitative assessment.

we have not fully recognized

Expresses a partial awareness or understanding, falling short of complete comprehension.

we have been too conservative in our estimate

Acknowledges that a previous estimate was lower than the actual value or impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "we have underestimated" to acknowledge a previous misjudgment or a failure to fully appreciate something. For example, "We have underestimated the impact of social media on political campaigns."

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

You can use alternatives like "we have misjudged", "we have undervalued", or "we have overlooked" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "we underestimated" or "we have underestimated"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "we have underestimated" implies a more recent or ongoing realization. "We underestimated" is suitable for past, completed instances.

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

"We have underestimated" suggests the underestimation is relevant to the present, while "we underestimated" simply states a past action. The choice depends on whether the implications of the underestimation are still being felt.