we invoke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we invoke" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to calling upon or appealing to a concept, principle, or authority. Example: "In our argument, we invoke the principles of justice and equality." Alternative expressions include "we call upon" and "we appeal to."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In theory, we invoke diversity and tolerance.

The Guardian - Opinion

We invoke the mother who comes to destroy all evil".

The New York Times

We invoke its authority when we agree with it, and dispute its authority when we don't.

The New Yorker

"When we invoke the spirits of the ancestors in our dreams, they help us in the fight".

The New Yorker

"Because the occasion has to do with denizens of the deep, we invoke Tangaroa, god of the ocean, to draw Tangaroa to the exhibition.

The New Yorker

But all those achievements are not why we invoke the name and memory of Rabbi Geffen today, more than 40 years after his death.

The New York Times

Today, when we invoke the harsh punishments prescribed by Shariah for a handful of offenses, we rarely acknowledge the high standards of proof necessary for their implementation.

The New York Times - Magazine

Since when must we invoke some fair-and-balanced doctrine in art, as if our imaginations were some production of Fox News?

The New York Times

Most depressing is the knowledge that, however much we invoke the past as a warning, it doesn¹t seem to work.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is the Jesus Caddo Parish needs, not the Miracle Jesus we invoke when we don't want to confront and solve complex problems.

The Guardian

For this we invoke the duality considerations in [16].

Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific writing, this phrase is particularly effective when explaining the transition between logical steps, such as when you apply a known inequality or model to new data.

Common error

A frequent mistake is using "we invoke" when you actually mean to bring a feeling or image to mind. You should use "we evoke" for emotional or sensory responses and save "we invoke" for calling upon rules, powers or precedents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we invoke" acts as a first-person plural active verb construction. It establishes the subject ("we") as the agent performing the action of calling upon a concept or authority. According to Ludwig, it is frequently used to introduce a logical justification or a legal basis within a discourse.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Social Media

5%

Wiki

3%

Informal Conversation

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we invoke" is a highly versatile and correct expression used primarily in formal, academic and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a standard way to signal the application of a rule, the citing of an authority or the calling upon of a spirit or memory. With over 60 high-quality examples from prestigious sources like The New York Times and ScienceDirect, it is clear that this phrase is most effective when you need to demonstrate that your current action or argument is backed by an established precedent or power. Writers should be careful not to confuse it with "we evoke", which deals with emotions rather than formal calls to action or authority.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we call upon

More common in formal appeals or when requesting assistance from a higher power or authority

we appeal to

Suggests a request for a decision or a call to a specific principle or sentiment

we refer to

A more neutral and common way to mention a concept without the authoritative weight of invoke

we cite

Used specifically when referring to a source, authority or previous case in an academic or legal context

we employ

Suggests using a specific strategy or technique in a professional or academic setting

we apply

More practical and direct, often used in scientific contexts when using a rule or formula

we summon

Carries a stronger, more literal connotation of calling something into existence or presence

we use

The most basic and versatile alternative suitable for any informal or general context

we utilize

Focuses more on the functional use of a tool or method rather than calling upon an authority

we evoke

Often confused with invoke, but used for bringing feelings, memories or images to mind

FAQs

How to use "we invoke" in a sentence?

You can use it to refer to a principle or rule, for example: "To solve this equation, "we invoke" the Pythagorean theorem" or "In this debate, "we invoke" the right to free speech".

What can I say instead of "we invoke"?

Depending on your needs, you can use phrases like "we call upon", "we cite" or "we apply".

What is the difference between "we invoke" and "we evoke"?

While "we invoke" means calling for help or applying a rule, ""we evoke"" is used for triggering memories or emotions. You might invoke a law but evoke a sense of nostalgia.

Is "we invoke" formal or informal?

It is a formal phrase, commonly found in academic papers, legal documents and high-quality journalism like The New York Times or The Guardian.