we

IPA/wi/
KK[wˈi]IPA/wi/

we — pronoun

1. the subject pronoun for the speaker together with one or more other people.

1.pronounA1
Definition

the subject pronoun for the speaker together with one or more other people.

Example

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.

Common collocations
  • we agreed
  • we promised
  • we ran
  • we needed
Synonyms
  • us

    the matching object form, not the subject form

  • our group

    a noun phrase that can replace the pronoun when the group needs naming

Grammar Patterns

we + verb

we + modal + verb

we + that-clause

Usage Note

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.

Common Mistakes

Us left our shoes by the door.
We left our shoes by the door.
'we' is the subject form; 'us' is the object form.
Me and Daniel arrived early, so we opened the hall.
Daniel and I arrived early, so we opened the hall.
when the speaker is one member of the subject, English normally uses 'I' inside the noun phrase, not 'me'.

2. a way for a speaker or writer to include the listener or reader in what is being

2.pronounA2
Definition

a way for a speaker or writer to include the listener or reader in what is being said.

Example

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

Common collocations
  • if we look at
  • we can see
  • we will learn
  • as we will see
Synonyms
  • you and I

    more explicit, but usually limited to the speaker and one listener

  • all of us

    stresses the whole speaker-and-audience group

Grammar Patterns

if we + verb

we can + verb

we will + verb

Usage Note

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

3.pronounB1
Definition

a word for people generally, especially when talking about human behaviour or experience.

Example

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.

Common collocations
  • we often remember
  • as we get older
  • we do not always notice
  • sometimes we trust
Synonyms
  • people

    more clearly names human beings as a group

  • you

    more conversational when giving general advice

  • one

    much more formal and distant

Grammar Patterns

we often + verb

as we + verb

sometimes we + verb

Usage Note

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.

Common Mistakes

At the border, we must show your passport.
At the border, you must show your passport.
generic 'we' talks about people in general, but direct instructions usually use generic 'you'.

4. a warm or teasing way adults sometimes use instead of 'you' with one child or a

4.pronounB1
Definition

a warm or teasing way adults sometimes use instead of 'you' with one child or a sick person.

Example

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.

Common collocations
  • are we ready
  • are we feeling
  • have we finished
  • now we wash
Synonyms
  • you

    the plain form without the warm or playful tone

Grammar Patterns

are we + adjective

we + present verb

have we + past participle

Usage Note

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'.

5.pronounC1
Definition

an official form some kings and queens use to mean 'I'.

Example

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.'

Common collocations
  • we have approved
  • we will visit
  • we thank
  • we remain grateful
Synonyms
  • I

    the ordinary first-person singular form

Grammar Patterns

we have + past participle

we will + verb

we + formal verb

Usage Note

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.

Common Mistakes

The shop owner said, "We will refund you tomorrow.
The shop owner said, "I will refund you tomorrow.
outside royal or ceremonial speech, a single speaker normally says 'I'.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: pronoun/3

When English talks about human behaviour in general, several choices are possible. Generic 'we' sounds broad and slightly reflective, as if the speaker is placing themselves inside a shared human experience: 'As we get older, we need more rest.' 'People' is more explicit and sociological, so it suits statements about communities or public behaviour: 'People recycle more when bins are nearby.' Generic 'you' is the most conversational option, especially for advice or practical truths: 'You need to back up your files.' 'One' is the formal version and often sounds distant or old-fashioned outside essays or official writing. A quick rule is this: use generic 'we' for shared human experience, generic 'you' for everyday guidance, 'people' for society as a group, and 'one' only when a formal tone is wanted.

people ↗you ↗one ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • we all
  • we both
  • we ourselves
  • we the people

Etymology

Old EnglishProto-GermanicModern English

The word 'we' comes from Old English 'wē', the first-person plural pronoun. It belongs to the same old Germanic family as Dutch 'wij' and German 'wir'. Across the history of English, the form stayed short and stable while related forms such as our, us, and ourselves developed around it.

First known use

12th century

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1