what we have

USAGE SUMMARY

"what we have" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to the state of the situation or the items that are currently available. For example: "Let's take inventory of what we have."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's what we have".

The New York Times

"That's what we have done".

The New York Times

"What we have is uncertainty.

The Economist

What we have we hold.

Independent

"I know what we have.

The New York Times - Arts

And that's what we have".

The New York Times

What we have are perceptions.

The New York Times - Sports

What we have he earned".

The New Yorker

"We know what we have.

The New York Times - Sports

What we have is honor.

The New York Times

What we have suffices".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "our current resources" or "the status quo" to avoid repetition and enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "what we have" in vague contexts without clearly specifying what you are referring to. Ensure the reference is clear to the reader or listener to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what we have" functions as a nominal clause, acting as a noun phrase within a sentence. It typically serves as the subject, object, or complement of a verb. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what we have" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase frequently used to refer to existing resources, circumstances, or possessions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Its neutral register allows it to be appropriate in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as in scientific and business settings. When writing, it's important to ensure the reference is clear to avoid ambiguity, and to consider using synonyms to enhance clarity and prevent repetition. The phrase is commonly found in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and the BBC, solidifying its place as a reliable and widely understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

our current resources

Focuses more specifically on available resources rather than a general state.

what's available to us

Highlights the concept of accessibility and potential usage.

the resources at our disposal

Highlights the ability to use the available resources.

our existing assets

Focuses on assets or valuable resources.

what is currently ours

Highlights ownership in the present moment.

our present situation

Emphasizes the circumstances rather than tangible items.

our existing conditions

Emphasizes the present circumstances that one is experiencing.

the status quo

Refers to the current state of affairs, often implying a desire for change or a resistance to it.

the things we own

Directly refers to possessions and ownership.

the hand we've been dealt

Implies acceptance or resignation to the present circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "what we have" to refer to available resources, current circumstances, or existing possessions. For example, "Let's make the most of "what we have"." or "What we have is a unique opportunity."

What are some alternatives to "what we have"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "our current resources", "our present situation", or "the status quo" to convey similar meanings. Be aware that phrases like "the status quo" might imply resistance to change.

Is "what we have" formal or informal?

"What we have" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality depends more on the surrounding language and the specific situation.

What is the difference between "what we have" and "what we need"?

"What we have" refers to the existing resources or circumstances, while "what we need" refers to the requirements or necessities that are currently lacking. Understanding the difference is crucial for problem-solving and planning.