can we admit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can we admit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting or proposing that a certain truth or fact be acknowledged or accepted. Example: "Can we admit that the project has faced significant challenges that need to be addressed?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

HuffPost

The New Yorker

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Can we admit that it all sounds better in Italian?

The New York Times

QUESTION FROM MEL: Can we admit that Islamic ideology was responsible for 9/11 ?

The New Yorker

Since Monday night's debate multiple Trump surrogates, such as the Arkansas attorney general, Leslie Rutledge, and Tennessee congresswoman Marsha Blackburn, have taken to the media to suggest that Hillary Clinton's choice to stay in her marriage should be up for public debate, as should her – can we admit, all-too-human?

The Guardian

Can we admit that?

Huffington Post

Can we admit that harsh physical punishment is no longer appropriate?

HuffPost

Can we admit that Small Business Saturday is not a success for small business?

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Maybe they can apologize when we admit we can muck things up, too.

Huffington Post

Tim Duy asks, when can we all admit that the euro is a failure?

The New York Times

Megan: Can we just admit that there was not enough John Waters?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Can we not admit greatest hits albums into the hall of excellence as does Garry Mulholland in his wonderful book Fear of Music?

The Guardian - Music

Can we finally admit that the Rams are badly in need of a leadership change?

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can we admit" when you want to gently propose an idea or fact that may be difficult or controversial to accept. It's often used to build consensus or introduce a new perspective.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "can we admit" in formal documents or academic papers. This can make your writing sound repetitive and less authoritative. Instead, vary your sentence structure and use alternatives like "it is worth noting" or "it should be considered".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can we admit" functions as a modal interrogative phrase. It is used to introduce a statement or question that proposes the acknowledgment or acceptance of a particular fact or situation. According to Ludwig AI, it seeks to invite the listener or reader to consider and potentially agree with a certain viewpoint.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

HuffPost

20%

The New Yorker

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can we admit" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, as supported by Ludwig AI. It functions as a modal interrogative, inviting reflection and consensus-building on potentially difficult or controversial topics. Although predominantly found in news and media contexts, its register remains neutral, though formal settings might benefit from more direct language. When writing, be mindful of overuse and consider alternatives like "can we acknowledge" or "should we recognize" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can we acknowledge

Replaces "admit" with "acknowledge", providing a more neutral alternative.

should we acknowledge

Replaces "can we admit" with a more formal tone using "should" and "acknowledge".

could we agree that

Seeks agreement on a particular point, framing it as a potential consensus.

shall we recognize

Suggests a formal recognition of a fact or situation.

might we concede

Uses "might" for a more tentative suggestion and "concede" to imply accepting something reluctantly.

should we consider

Uses "consider" to propose thinking about something, rather than directly admitting it.

are we ready to accept

Focuses on the readiness to accept something, implying a potential reluctance.

is it fair to say

Introduces the idea as a matter of fairness or common understanding.

would you agree that

Directly asks for agreement on a statement, making it more interactive.

do we dare suggest

Implies a sense of risk or controversy in making the suggestion.

FAQs

What does "can we admit" mean?

The phrase "can we admit" is used to suggest that a particular fact, truth, or idea should be acknowledged or accepted, often when it might be uncomfortable or challenging to do so. It serves as an invitation to consider a specific point of view.

How to use "can we admit" in a sentence?

You can use "can we admit" to introduce a potentially controversial or difficult-to-accept point. For example, "Can we admit that the project has faced significant challenges that need to be addressed?" or "Can we admit that our initial assumptions were incorrect?"

What can I say instead of "can we admit"?

You can use alternatives like "can we acknowledge", "should we recognize", or "is it fair to say" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "can we admit" or "should we admit"?

"Can we admit" is generally used to suggest a possibility or seek agreement on acknowledging something. "Should we admit" implies a stronger sense of obligation or moral imperative to acknowledge a particular fact. The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of emphasis.