can we entertain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can we entertain" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to suggest considering or discussing a particular idea or proposal. Example: "Can we entertain the possibility of extending the deadline for the project?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Can we entertain the possibility that some teachers and principals work very hard, teach well and do all that they can for their students, and that large numbers of these children still struggle to get to school, to stay in school and to perform well?

The New York Times

Can we entertain the possibility that we, at American corporations, may have much more power than we think?

Forbes

Can we entertain the possibility that bigger is not always better?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"I've tried to do all those things — we've tried very hard to be as hospitable as we can, we've entertained more people than anybody has ever entertained in the White House before".

The New Yorker

Dear Everyone, Each week we sweat blood so that we can entertain you with our little website/media conglomerate/branding firm and what do we get in return, besides all the money?! NOTHING! (Besides money).

Vice

(5p35c) And if the mark of a personal being is that it is one towards which we can entertain personal attitudes, then we should note too that Spinoza recommends amor intellectualist dei (the intellectual love of God) as the supreme good for man.

SEP

Ignoring the distinction between entertaining ideas and holding beliefs, this means that we when we entertain the idea of that than which no greater can be conceived, we entertain the idea of a being which exists only in the understanding.

SEP

"If we can entertain and inform people and generate great return for advertisers we can have a much bigger, longer path.

The Guardian

"In the end, if we can entertain while passively educate," Khonsari said, "then yes, we will have accomplished our goals".

The New Yorker

Before we can entertain any lofty notions of a constitutional convention, we must address what truly ails the nation, which at present is an obstinate unwillingness to govern.

Huffington Post

And that's just the way we like it, because then we can argue forever from an unassailable position, and because the issues have become so fundamental, we can entertain a lively and very real disdain for our opponents and their brands.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can we entertain" when you want to politely suggest considering a new or unconventional idea, especially in discussions or proposals. It frames the consideration as a possibility worth exploring.

Common error

Avoid using "can we entertain" excessively in highly formal documents or academic papers. Opt for more direct phrases like "should we consider" or "it is worth examining" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can we entertain" functions as an interrogative expression used to introduce a suggestion or proposal for consideration. It prompts reflection on whether a particular idea or possibility should be explored, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can we entertain" serves as a polite way to introduce a new idea or suggestion for consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While suitable for many contexts, particularly in news and media, it may be replaced by stronger and more direct phrasing when used in formal writing. Alternatives such as ""should we consider"" or "might we explore" can offer a more formal tone, depending on the specific context and desired level of directness. The choice of phrasing depends on the writer's objective and the intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could we consider

Replaces "entertain" with a more direct suggestion of consideration.

might we explore

Substitutes "entertain" with "explore", implying a more in-depth investigation.

shall we contemplate

Uses "contemplate" instead of "entertain", suggesting a more thoughtful reflection.

should we examine

Replaces "entertain" with "examine", indicating a closer inspection.

can we allow ourselves to think about

Expands the phrase to explicitly include the element of allowing consideration.

is it possible for us to consider

Phrases the consideration as a possibility.

would it be feasible to explore

Introduces the aspect of feasibility to the exploration.

could we open ourselves up to the idea of

Emphasizes the act of being receptive to an idea.

are we in a position to contemplate

Focuses on the readiness or capability to contemplate.

shall we give thought to

Offers a more traditional and formal way of suggesting consideration.

FAQs

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

You can use "can we entertain" to introduce a suggestion or to ask if a particular idea or possibility should be considered. For example, "Can we entertain the idea of a remote work policy?"

What's a more formal alternative to "can we entertain"?

In more formal contexts, you can use phrases such as "should we consider" or "is it possible to examine". These alternatives maintain a professional tone while suggesting consideration.

Is "can we entertain" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "can we entertain" might be perceived as slightly informal for academic writing. Consider using stronger, more direct phrasing depending on your field. For example you may want to use "should we consider".

What's the difference between "can we entertain" and "are we considering"?

"Can we entertain" suggests opening up to a new idea or possibility, while "are we considering" implies that the idea is already under some degree of evaluation. The former is more exploratory, the latter is more evaluative.