can we proceed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'can we proceed' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to politely inquire if you can move forward with a discussion, plan, or any other activity. For example: Now that we have discussed the various options, can we proceed to making a decision?.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But can we proceed just on this administration's say-so?

The New York Times

I decide enough is enough and tell the driver that I will pay for the damage and please can we proceed?

The Guardian - Travel

At some point, maybe not yet, how vigorously can we proceed on these expansion projects if we don't have the money to keep fixing the existing system?" Mr. Zupan of the regional planning group said construction jobs from the megaprojects would help the city through an economic downturn.

The New York Times

" 'Can we proceed with the mission?' " I don't think I was ever asked that question," Mr. Aquino said, without specifying who had ordered the operation that killed the suspect, Zulkifli bin Hir, a senior leader of the Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist network.

The New York Times

So how can we proceed?

Science Magazine

How can we proceed to get adequate international comparisons?

European Transport Research Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"Can we now proceed, please?" an exasperated clerk asked.

The New York Times

If it is cleaned up, then perhaps we can feel we can proceed towards a freer, fairer Olympic selection process," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

"I look at this as the last major hurdle; now we can proceed as we've wanted to for the last three years," he said on Tuesday.

The New York Times

Robinson said: "We feel we can proceed further in support of the player".

BBC

Obviously because of that we feel we can proceed further in support of the player".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can we proceed" to politely seek confirmation before starting a new phase of a project, a different topic in a discussion, or any action that requires agreement from others.

Common error

Avoid using "can we proceed" in situations where a directive is more appropriate. It's a question seeking consent, not a statement of intent. Use it in cases where consensus or agreement is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can we proceed" functions primarily as an interrogative clause, used to seek permission or confirmation to continue with a task, discussion, or plan. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a polite way to inquire about moving forward.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

50%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can we proceed" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to politely seek permission or confirmation before moving forward with a plan, discussion, or task. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a range of contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic discussions. While not extremely common, it is a useful tool for fostering collaboration and ensuring agreement before advancing. Remember to use it in situations where seeking consent is appropriate, rather than imposing a directive. Consider alternatives like "may we continue" or "shall we go ahead" for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may we continue

Replaces "proceed" with "continue", focusing on the act of carrying on.

shall we go ahead

Uses "go ahead" to suggest moving forward, implying a readiness to start.

are we able to continue

Similar to 'may we continue' but focuses more on the ability rather than permission to continue.

are we clear to advance

Emphasizes clearance or permission to move forward, often used in more formal settings.

should we move forward

Focuses on the advisability of progressing, questioning if it's the right time to advance.

can we move on

Suggests concluding a current topic to start a new one.

are we ready to proceed

Focuses on assessing readiness before advancing, implying preparation is necessary.

is it okay to proceed

Seeks explicit permission or approval to move forward, adding a layer of caution.

do we have the green light to proceed

Employs the idiom "green light" to indicate official approval or permission.

how do we move on

Shift from the possibility to move to the way the advancement may occur.

FAQs

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

You can use "can we proceed" to politely ask if it's okay to move forward with a plan, discussion, or task. For example, "Now that the initial steps are complete, "can we proceed" to the next phase?"

What's a more formal way to say "can we proceed"?

In a more formal setting, you might use "may we continue" or "shall we proceed". These alternatives convey a similar meaning but with a more elevated tone.

Is "can we proceed" suitable for both formal and informal conversations?

Yes, "can we proceed" is versatile and appropriate for both formal and informal settings. Its politeness makes it suitable for diverse contexts.

What's the difference between "can we proceed" and "should we proceed"?

"Can we proceed" seeks permission or agreement to move forward, while "should we proceed" questions the advisability of doing so. The former focuses on logistics, the latter on strategy.