we own that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we own that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express acknowledgment or acceptance of responsibility for something, often in a business or collaborative context. Example: "When it comes to the project's success, we own that and are committed to delivering the best results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"We own that".

The New York Times

"Spring, summer — we own that," Mr. Chaplin said.

The New York Times

"My God, we own that," he says, sitting bolt upright and grabbing his cell phone.

The New York Times

Besides empty rooms in houses, there are many examples of things we own that are underutilised and could be monetised: cars that are parked for longer than they're ever driven, power tools neglected until the annual DIY project comes round, forgotten suits at the back of wardrobes, broken mobile phones stuffed in drawers.

The Guardian

We tried to avoid representing mental illness like something distant or too oneiric, but like something that we own, that is near us.

Vice

"Wherever they put the pipes, they're going to say 'we own that piece now,' and we're not allowed to utilize that piece of land anymore," Huson said.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"I thought we owned that horse at the eighth pole.

The New York Times - Sports

We felt we could own that in our own way.

Vice

We will share the wealth in the regular season but we'll own that story in January and February".

Los Angeles Times

"We should own that dialogue," Ms. Haj said.

The New York Times

We will own that music, and it's still valuable".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we own that" when you want to clearly state responsibility or pride in a particular achievement, territory, or idea. It's effective in business contexts or when emphasizing a unique strength.

Common error

Avoid using "we own that" in highly formal documents like legal briefs or academic papers. Opt for more formal alternatives like "we are responsible for that" or "we possess that" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we own that" functions primarily as a declarative statement. It's used to assert ownership, responsibility, or control over something. Ludwig's examples show it used in contexts ranging from business achievements to acknowledging mistakes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Science

7%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we own that" is a versatile expression used to assert responsibility, control, or ownership. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in News & Media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in highly formal documents. The phrase conveys a clear sense of accountability and confidence, as seen in various examples. When intending to express similar meaning, there are a number of alternatives that could be used such as "we take ownership of that", "we are responsible for that", or "that belongs to us".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we take ownership of that

Replaces "own" with "take ownership", emphasizing assumption of responsibility.

that belongs to us

States ownership in a more explicit way.

we are responsible for that

Focuses on accountability instead of direct ownership.

that is our responsibility

Rephrases to emphasize duty and obligation.

we possess that

Uses a more formal term for owning something.

we are in charge of that

Highlights the aspect of being in control or management.

we are in control of that

Emphasizes authority and management of a particular situation or asset

we claim that

Implies assertion or declaration of something, rather than possession.

we acknowledge that

Shifts the focus to recognizing or admitting a fact or situation.

we accept that

Implies agreement or concurrence with a certain fact or premise.

FAQs

What does "we own that" mean?

The phrase "we own that" means that a group or entity takes responsibility for something, whether it's a success, a problem, or a particular area of expertise. It implies a sense of control and accountability.

What can I say instead of "we own that"?

You can use alternatives like "we take ownership of that", "we are responsible for that", or "that belongs to us" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "we own that" in a formal setting?

While "we own that" is generally acceptable, in very formal contexts, it may be better to use alternatives such as "we are responsible for that" or "we possess that" to maintain a more professional tone.

How can I use "we own that" in a sentence?

You can use "we own that" to express responsibility or pride. For example, "When it comes to customer satisfaction, "we own that" and strive for excellence" or "Regarding this market share, "we own that" due to our innovative products".