can we understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can we understand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inquiring about the possibility of comprehending a concept or situation. Example: "Can we understand the complexities of human emotions through scientific research?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Only by understanding why Adam Lanza wished to die can we understand why he killed.

The New York Times

Only by understanding the biology of the phage can we understand this seemingly counterintuitive result and the complexity of gene regulation in adaptation.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

His stated aim with the piece is ambitious: "Only by understanding why Adam Lanza wished to die," he writes, "can we understand why he killed".

Huffington Post

But aesthetic concepts, like all ideas, have a history, and only by understanding what they meant at one period or another can we understand how philosophers, writers and artists used them to work out responses to social and artistic issues.

The New York Times - Books

How can we understand this phenomenon better?

The New York Times

How can we understand this paradox that not all humans have humanity in a human rights world?

The Guardian - Opinion

Only in the details of what's happening on the frontline can we understand the daily reality of Britain's shrinking state.

The Guardian - Opinion

Of course, there's a lot of interest in the basic science – how can we understand how the brain works?

The Guardian

"I'm probably like everybody else, I'm like, 'Wow, what really happened and how can we understand that?' " Mr. Lee said.

The New York Times

How else can we understand the spread in Muslim countries of photographs, film, television, videos and DVDs, culminating in Al-Jazeera?

The Guardian

How, then, can we understand President Bush's proposed cuts in programs to provide child care, to prevent child abuse and to train doctors at children's hospitals?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can we understand", ensure the context clearly defines what 'we' refers to. Be specific about the group or individual whose understanding is being questioned.

Common error

Avoid using "can we understand" in contexts where the subject is too broad or undefined. For instance, instead of asking "Can we understand life?", specify "Can scientists understand the origins of life?" to provide a clearer scope.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can we understand" functions as an interrogative expression. It is used to question the ability or possibility of comprehending a concept, situation, or phenomenon. Ludwig provides many examples confirming its common usage in posing questions about understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can we understand" is a grammatically sound and frequently used interrogative expression employed to question the ability or possibility of comprehending something. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains. While versatile in its application, clarity in defining the subject is essential to avoid overgeneralization. Understanding its nuances and common errors ensures its effective use in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are we able to comprehend

Focuses on the ability to grasp the meaning, adding a layer of capability.

is it possible to grasp

Emphasizes possibility and initial understanding, rather than complete comprehension.

how might we interpret

Shifts the focus to interpretation and subjective understanding.

how can we make sense of

Highlights the act of finding meaning and coherence.

what is the explanation for

Focuses on uncovering the reasons or causes behind something.

how do we gain insight into

Emphasizes the process of gaining a deeper understanding.

what is a possible explanation

Focuses on a potential reason, cause or justification for something.

how are we to interpret

Highlights the need for a specific method or framework for understanding.

what does it mean to comprehend

Focuses on the fundamental definition and implications of understanding.

what are ways to comprehend

Focuses on finding or employing methods to better understand something.

FAQs

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

Use "can we understand" to inquire about the possibility of comprehending something. For instance, "Can we understand the complexities of the human brain?"

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

Alternatives include "are we able to comprehend", "is it possible to grasp", or "how can we make sense of", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "can we understand" or "are we understanding"?

"Can we understand" is generally used to inquire about the potential for comprehension. "Are we understanding" is used to ask if comprehension is currently happening, like confirming someone's understanding during a conversation.

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

"Can we understand" questions the ability or possibility of understanding something. "Should we understand" implies a moral or practical imperative to understand something, suggesting it is necessary or beneficial to do so.