can we agree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can we agree" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used as a question to ask for agreement or confirmation from the listener or reader. Example: "Can we agree on a meeting time for next week?" or "After discussing the matter, can we agree that this is the best course of action?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Can we agree about that?

The New Yorker

Can we agree on that?

The Guardian - Books

"But what can we agree on?

The New Yorker

Can we agree that we're all haunted?

The New Yorker

Can we agree that foodie-ness has gone too far?

The New York Times - Arts

Can we agree that the ball has been hopelessly misnamed?

The Guardian - Sport

Can we agree that the cricket test, if it was ever valid, has been definitively passed?

The Guardian - Sport

SD Can we agree that by week 28 the time for experimenting should be done?

The Guardian - Sport

First of all: can we agree that the novel has a great title?

The New Yorker

Bullying: We're against it, but can we agree on a definition?

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We can change, we can challenge, we can agree to disagree, we can agree to be agreeable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can we agree", be clear about the subject of the agreement. Ensure that all parties understand what they are agreeing to.

Common error

Avoid using "can we agree" rhetorically when there is no real intention to discuss or negotiate. This can come across as condescending or dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can we agree" functions as an interrogative clause used to solicit agreement or consensus from an individual or group. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, ranging from formal discussions to informal conversations, confirming its versatility in seeking affirmation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

0.01%

Reference

0.01%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can we agree" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to seek agreement or propose a consensus. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is most frequently found in News & Media sources, with secondary usage in Science and Formal & Business contexts. The phrase serves the purpose of inviting agreement or confirming shared understanding and usually presents a neutral to professional register. When using the phrase, ensure clarity in the subject of agreement and avoid using it rhetorically without genuine intention for discussion. Consider alternatives like "are we in agreement" or "do we concur" for different levels of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are we agreed

Shortens the question while maintaining the same meaning.

are we in agreement

Shifts the focus to the state of being in agreement rather than the act of agreeing.

do we concur

Replaces "agree" with the more formal "concur", suggesting a more considered or official agreement.

shall we agree

Uses a slightly more formal tone to propose an agreement.

do you concur

Changes the perspective to ask the agreement from the other person.

can we settle on

Suggests finding a compromise or a specific point of agreement.

are we on the same page

Uses a more informal idiom to check for shared understanding and agreement.

is that acceptable

Focuses on whether a proposed solution or action is satisfactory to all parties.

do we see eye to eye

Idiomatic way of asking if two parties are having the same perspective.

can we find common ground

Similar to settle but even more focused on trying to find the point of agreement.

FAQs

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

Use "can we agree" to propose an agreement or seek confirmation of one. For example, "Can we agree on a price?" or "Can we agree that this is the best option?"

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

Alternatives include "are we in agreement", "do we concur", or "are we on the same page", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "can we agree on" grammatically correct?

Yes, "can we agree on" is grammatically correct. It's often followed by the subject of the agreement: "Can we agree on a date?"

What's the difference between "can we agree" and "do we agree"?

"Can we agree" is a proposal or suggestion to reach an agreement, while "do we agree" is a direct question asking if an agreement already exists.