can we

USAGE SUMMARY

"can we" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to make a request for permission, or to suggest an action. For example: Can we go to the park this afternoon?.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Can we?

The New York Times - Arts

Can we object?

Independent

How can we improve.

The New York Times

Can we survive ourselves?

The New York Times

"What can we say?

The New York Times

Can we stop war?

The New Yorker

Can we just work?

The New Yorker

Can we monetize that?

The New York Times

Can we top that?

The Economist

Can we get along?

The New Yorker

Can we do it?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can we" when seeking permission, making suggestions, or exploring possibilities in various contexts, from informal conversations to formal discussions.

Common error

While both phrases express possibility or permission, "may we" is generally considered more formal than "can we". Use "may we" in situations where a higher degree of formality is required.

Linguistic Context

"Can we" functions primarily as an interrogative phrase, used to ask questions seeking permission, suggestions, or possibilities. As indicated by Ludwig, it's a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can we" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to seek permission, offer suggestions, or explore possibilities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally considered neutral in register, it's essential to be mindful of the specific context and audience to ensure appropriateness. For instance, in more formal settings, alternatives like "may we" might be preferred. Understanding these nuances allows for effective communication and precise expression across various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may we

A more formal way of asking for permission.

could we

A more polite and tentative way of asking for permission or making a suggestion.

shall we

Often used to make a suggestion or offer, especially in British English.

are we able to

Focuses on the ability or capability to do something.

how about we

An informal way to make a suggestion.

is it possible for us to

A formal and explicit way to inquire about the possibility of doing something.

do you think we can

Inquires about someone's opinion on whether something is possible.

what if we

Suggests exploring a hypothetical scenario or possibility.

would it be possible to

A very polite way to ask if something is feasible.

is it within our power to

Emphasizes having the power or authority to do something.

FAQs

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

Use "can we" to ask for permission, make a suggestion, or inquire about the possibility of something. For example: "Can we leave early today?", "Can we try a different approach?", or "Can we expect more rain this week?"

What's the difference between "can we" and "may we"?

"Can we" generally inquires about ability or possibility, while "may we" is a more formal way to ask for permission. Although, in modern English, the phrases are often interchangeable.

What can I say instead of "can we" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, use "may we" or "would it be possible to", depending on the context.

Is "can we" appropriate for professional emails?

Yes, "can we" is appropriate for many professional emails, especially when collaborating with colleagues. For highly formal requests to superiors, consider using "may we".