we owe him

USAGE SUMMARY

'we owe him' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when attempting to express gratitude for a favor or when explaining that someone is owed something. For example, "We owe him a big thank you for helping us with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We owe him everything.

The Guardian - Arts

We owe him a lot".

The Guardian - Sport

We owe him so much".

The Guardian

That's what we owe him.

The Guardian - Sport

We owe him a great debt, haha.

Independent

I think we owe him that.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"We owe him a professional debt from decades," she said.

The New York Times

We owe him a great debt of gratitude".

The New York Times

We owe him a chance, my husband said.

The New York Times

We owe him that much at the very least.

The New York Times

Like it or not, we owe him for that.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context. Using "we owe him" can sometimes imply a formal debt. Consider whether a more casual expression of thanks might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "we owe him" lightly. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make it sound insincere, especially if the 'debt' is minor or trivial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we owe him" functions as an expression of gratitude or acknowledgment of a debt. Ludwig AI confirms its common use in various contexts. It indicates that the speaker or group feels obligated to the person being referred to.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we owe him" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey gratitude or acknowledge indebtedness. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples across various reputable sources. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and avoid overuse to maintain its sincerity. Alternatives such as "we are grateful to him" or "we are indebted to him" can offer nuanced ways to express similar sentiments. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for professional communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are indebted to him

Emphasizes a formal sense of owing gratitude or a debt.

we are grateful to him

Directly expresses feelings of thankfulness.

we are in his debt

Highlights the state of owing a favor or service.

we should thank him

Suggests an action of expressing gratitude.

we have to repay him

Focuses on the obligation to return a favor or payment.

we have a debt of gratitude to him

Similar to 'we are in his debt', but uses more formal language.

we are bound to thank him

Implies a strong moral or social obligation to express gratitude.

we hold him in high regard

Focuses on respect and admiration rather than direct debt.

we appreciate his efforts

Expresses acknowledgment and thanks for specific actions.

we recognize his contributions

Highlights the value of his work or input.

FAQs

What does the phrase "we owe him" mean?

The phrase "we owe him" typically means that a person or group is indebted to someone for a favor, service, or contribution. It expresses a sense of gratitude and obligation.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "we owe him"?

It's appropriate to use "we owe him" when you want to express gratitude or acknowledge a debt, whether tangible or intangible. It signifies a feeling of indebtedness and appreciation for something someone has done.

What are some alternative ways to say "we owe him"?

Alternatives include "we are indebted to him", "we are grateful to him", or "we are in his debt", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "we owe him"?

Yes, "we owe him" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard subject-verb-object structure in English.