we human beings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we human beings" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to all of the humans on Earth collectively, and it implies that the speaker is one of those people. For example, "We human beings must work together to ensure the long-term health of the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How beautiful and brave we human beings can be.

Huffington Post

Essentially, we human beings are too busy being human doings to actually do any BEING.

Huffington Post

Is our inability to be satisfied just the way we human beings are wired?

Huffington Post

We human beings now have the power to exterminate ourselves; this seems to be the entire sum of our achievement.

The New Yorker

Are we human beings?

The New York Times

Aren't we human beings?

The Guardian

Aren't we human beings?" he said.

The Guardian

We human beings are modelers by nature.

Harvard Business Review

We human beings have modified the system on this planet.

The New Yorker

First, because we human beings are part of the environment.

Independent

What we human beings have to remember is that the seas belong to them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we human beings" when you want to emphasize both the shared humanity and the individual nature of people within a larger group. It's effective for creating a sense of collective responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "we human beings" in very casual conversations. Opt for simpler terms like "we" or "people" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we human beings" functions as a subject in a sentence, often followed by a verb that describes a shared action, state, or characteristic. Ludwig's examples show its use in making general statements about human nature and capabilities. For instance, "We human beings are modelers by nature."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we human beings" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to refer to humanity collectively. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely applicable across various contexts, from news and media to academic discussions. While alternatives like "we humans" or "humanity" exist, "we human beings" emphasizes shared identity and responsibility. Be mindful of the context and avoid overuse in informal settings to maintain a natural tone. Overall, it's a valuable phrase for creating a sense of unity and highlighting the common traits of humankind.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we humans

Shorter and slightly less formal.

the human race

Emphasizes the shared biological lineage.

all of us

Emphasizes inclusion and shared experience.

the human species

Formal and scientific way to refer to humanity.

humanity

More abstract and emphasizes the collective nature of humankind.

we, the people

Emphasizes collective agency and power, often used in political contexts.

mankind

Traditional and somewhat gendered term for humanity.

people

Simple and widely applicable, but less specific.

homo sapiens

Scientific term for the human species.

us mortals

Highlights the finite and vulnerable nature of humans.

FAQs

What does "we human beings" mean?

The phrase "we human beings" refers to all people collectively, including the speaker. It's a way of emphasizing shared traits, experiences, and responsibilities.

Is it redundant to say "we human beings"?

While "we" already implies humans, adding "human beings" can emphasize our shared humanity, making the statement more impactful. The redundancy can be intentional for rhetorical effect.

What are some alternatives to "we human beings"?

Alternatives include "we humans", "all of us", "humanity", or "the human race", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "we human beings" effectively in a sentence?

Use "we human beings" when you want to create a sense of solidarity, responsibility, or shared identity. For example, "We human beings have a responsibility to protect our planet."