we
we — pronoun
1. the subject pronoun for the speaker together with one or more other people.
the subject pronoun for the speaker together with one or more other people.
We left our shoes by the door before entering Grandma's flat.
we + past verb for shared action
After the meeting, we still needed two hours to finish the slides.
We promised the neighbors that the drum practice would end by nine.
When the rain started, we ran under the noodle shop awning.
文法句型
we + verb
we + modal + verb
we + that-clause
用法筆記
This is the ordinary subject form. Use 'we' when the speaker is part of the group doing the action; use 'us' when that group is an object instead.
常見錯誤
2. a way for a speaker or writer to include the listener or reader in what is being
a way for a speaker or writer to include the listener or reader in what is being said.
If we look at page ten, we can see the answer clearly.
inclusive we in explanation
In this guide, we will learn how to plant tomatoes on balconies.
writer includes the reader
Today we are going to practice the sounds at the end of words.
As we will see later, the bridge was rebuilt after the flood.
文法句型
if we + verb
we can + verb
we will + verb
用法筆記
Teachers, presenters, and writers often choose this sense to sound cooperative instead of distant. It includes the audience, even if only the speaker or writer is doing the explaining.
3. a word for people generally, especially when talking about human behaviour or ex
a word for people generally, especially when talking about human behaviour or experience.
We often remember embarrassing moments more clearly than ordinary afternoons.
generic we for human experience
As we get older, our sleep patterns can change quite a lot.
We do not always notice how tired we are after days of stress.
Sometimes we trust a friendly voice before checking the facts.
文法句型
we often + verb
as we + verb
sometimes we + verb
用法筆記
This sense does not point to one real group around the speaker. It is a broad way to talk about what people usually do, feel, or learn.
常見錯誤
4. a warm or teasing way adults sometimes use instead of 'you' with one child or a
a warm or teasing way adults sometimes use instead of 'you' with one child or a sick person.
Are we ready for our medicine, or do we need water first?
caregiver uses we to mean you
Now we wash our hands, and then we can open the cookies.
Oh dear, are we feeling cold after the long bus ride?
Have we finished our soup, or is one spoonful left?
- you
the plain form without the warm or playful tone
文法句型
are we + adjective
we + present verb
have we + past participle
用法筆記
Adults use this sense to sound warm, soothing, or teasing. It usually appears in speech, not in serious written English, and it still refers to just one person.
5. an official form some kings and queens use to mean 'I'.
an official form some kings and queens use to mean 'I'.
We have approved the new hospital charter and signed it today.
royal we in formal decree
In the address, the monarch said, 'We will visit the islands in June.'
The king wrote, 'We thank the farmers for their loyal service.'
On the palace website, the monarch announced, 'We remain grateful for your support.'
- I
the ordinary first-person singular form
文法句型
we have + past participle
we will + verb
we + formal verb
用法筆記
This sense belongs to ceremonial or constitutional language. Ordinary speakers do not use it for themselves, and even monarchs usually reserve it for official statements.