We
'We' is the first person plural pronoun. In this part, we will go through its uses and grammatical rules in the English grammar.
We is a first-person plural pronoun. In this lesson, we will discuss when and how to use it.
'We' as a Subject Pronoun
Use
We as a subject pronoun is mainly used by the speakers to refer to themselves. It can be used to emphasize the subject or to include readers or listeners in academic contexts. We can also be used in a royal context or to persuade or encourage someone to do something. Take a look:
- We is used by the speaker or the writer to refer to themselves and other people as a group. Take a look at the following examples:
My friends and I have a great plan.
- We can be emphatic and comes before a noun or a noun phrase to emphasize the subject. For example:
- We is used in academic contexts to show that the speaker or the writer likes to include the audience or the reader. Take a look at the following examples:
As
- In the past, kings, queens, judges, etc., used 'we' instead of 'I.' This is called 'the royal we' or 'majestic plural.' For example:
As of now,
- We can be used instead of 'you' with a tone of persuasiveness, condescension, or sarcasm. We is also used instead of 'you' to encourage or admonish a child. For example:
How are
My darling, shall
This sentence could be 'will you take your medicine now?'
Position in a sentence
We as a subject pronoun replaces the subject. For example:
My professors and I love this topic.
'We' replaces 'my professors and I.'
Tip
In questions, we is replaced with you. Look:
However, when the speaker asks questions about herself or himself and other people as a group, we is applied. For example:
Why are