can we know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can we know" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when questioning the possibility of acquiring knowledge or understanding about a particular subject or situation. Example: "Can we know the true intentions behind their actions?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

How can we know?

The New York Times

What can we know?

Columbia University

Can we know it?

The New York Times - Books

And how can we know?

University of California, Berkeley

Yet how can we know for sure?

The New York Times - Books

How can we know treatment was successful?

Cornell University

Can we know anything about other minds?

University of California, Berkeley

On what basis can we know?

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

We can -- once we know how.

Forbes

We know you can, and we know you will!

BBC

"We can get better, we know we can.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can we know", consider the context carefully. Are you questioning the possibility of knowing something in principle, or are you asking about the specific methods or evidence required to gain knowledge?

Common error

Avoid using "can we know" when you actually mean "do we know". The former questions the possibility of knowledge, while the latter asks about existing knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can we know" primarily functions as an interrogative expression used to question the possibility of attaining knowledge or certainty about a particular subject. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The numerous examples highlight its use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

32%

News & Media

57%

Science

11%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The expression "can we know" serves as a fundamental inquiry into the nature of knowledge, its limitations, and its attainability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in academic and news media contexts, it invites reflection on what we can truly understand and how we can arrive at certainty. When using "can we know", remember to consider whether you are questioning the theoretical possibility of knowledge or the practical means of achieving it. It's an expression used to elicit deeper thought about the world around us.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is it possible to know

Emphasizes possibility rather than ability to know.

is knowledge attainable

Focuses on the attainability of knowledge in general.

can we ascertain

Highlights the act of finding something out for certain.

what is knowable

Shifts the focus to the boundaries of knowledge itself.

what can be determined

Emphasizes the process of determining something through investigation.

how can we find out

Focuses on the method of acquiring knowledge.

how can we be sure

Addresses the level of certainty required for knowledge.

what evidence do we have

Highlights the role of evidence in establishing knowledge.

is there any way to know

Expresses uncertainty about the possibility of gaining knowledge.

to what extent can we understand

Focuses on the degree of understanding that can be achieved.

FAQs

What does "can we know" mean?

The phrase "can we know" questions whether it is possible to have knowledge or certainty about something. It explores the limits of human understanding and the availability of information.

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

Use "can we know" to express doubt or inquiry about the possibility of knowing something. For example, "Can we know the future?" or "Can we know the truth?"

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

You can use alternatives like "is it possible to know", "can we ascertain", or "what is knowable depending on the context.

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

"Can we know" questions the possibility of knowing, while "do we know" inquires about existing knowledge. The former is about potential knowledge, the latter about actual knowledge.