Definition we in British English

we determiner, pronoun

determiner, pronoun

/wiː/

We can be used in the following ways:

as a subject pronoun: We help each other.

In very formal English we can be used after the verb ‘to be’, especially before a relative clause: It is we who should be grateful.

as a determiner: We men will get the fire started.

used for referring to yourself and one or more other people when you are the person speaking or writing

Example

We moved here soon after we were married.

Example

We were all glad to get back home.

Example

We Americans have a strong belief in democracy.

used for including yourself and the person you are speaking to in what you are saying or writing

Example

Where shall we meet?

Example

Come on, we both need a drink.

Example

Example

Example

sometimes used instead of 'you', especially when a doctor or nurse is speaking to someone who is ill or when a teacher is speaking to children

Example

How are we feeling this morning, Mrs Shaw?

Example

Now, do we all have notebooks and pencils?

Synonyms and related words

bang be a love and . . . big

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Words related to we:

as we know it (phrase) don’t call us, we’ll call you (phrase) here we go again (phrase) be delighted (phrase) have to see (phrase) I/we etc will not rest until... (phrase) etc would appreciate it if... (phrase) regret to you that (phrase) would be grateful if... (phrase) lest we forget (phrase) shall say (phrase) the royal ‘we’ (phrase) there (phrase) to what do we owe ? (phrase) Umkhonto we Sizwe (noun) we (determiner, pronoun) we all make mistakes (phrase) we’d (short form) we’ll (short form) we’ll see (phrase) we’re (short form) we’ve (short form) what do you say do something? (phrase) get... (phrase)