could we

USAGE SUMMARY

"could we" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a way to make a suggestion or ask a question. For example: "Could we go to the park tomorrow?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Could we?

The New York Times

How could we live?

The New Yorker

Could we do more?

The New York Times

How could we not?

The New York Times

How could we be?

The New York Times - Travel

Could we do this?

The New York Times

What could we say?

The New Yorker

How could we forget?

Independent

Where could we go?

Independent

And nor could we.

The New York Times

"Could we have coffee?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could we" to make polite suggestions or inquiries, especially when seeking agreement or permission. For example, "Could we review the report before the meeting?"

Common error

While "could we" is generally acceptable, excessive use in formal writing can make your tone sound hesitant. Opt for more assertive phrasing when appropriate, such as "We should consider" or "It is recommended that we".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could we" primarily functions as a modal interrogative, used to form polite requests, suggestions, or inquiries about the possibility or feasibility of an action. Ludwig's examples show it used in various contexts to propose ideas or seek permission.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could we" is a versatile phrase used to make polite suggestions, ask questions, or seek permission. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears very commonly, particularly in News & Media sources. It's generally neutral in register, making it suitable for both professional and informal communication. When aiming for more formal language, alternatives like "would it be possible to" might be more appropriate. Ludwig examples also show it's crucial to be aware of the context when using "could we", as overuse in formal settings can project hesitancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might we

Replaces "could" with "might", indicating a slightly lower degree of possibility or confidence.

may we

Substitutes "could" with "may", often used for asking permission or making a polite suggestion.

can we

Uses "can" instead of "could", making the question or suggestion slightly more direct or informal.

would it be possible to

Offers a more formal and polite way to inquire about the possibility of doing something.

is it possible for us to

Similar to "would it be possible to", this is a formal way of asking about the feasibility of an action.

shall we

Suggests a course of action and invites agreement or participation, typically in British English.

how about we

Proposes an idea or suggestion in a more casual and conversational manner.

what if we

Introduces a hypothetical scenario or suggestion, often used for brainstorming or exploring possibilities.

suppose we

Similar to "what if we", this presents a hypothetical situation for consideration.

how would it be if we

Suggests considering a course of action and its potential implications.

FAQs

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

"Could we" is used to make polite requests or suggestions. For example, "Could we reschedule the meeting?" or "Could we try a different approach"?

What are some alternatives to using "could we"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "shall we", "may we", or "how about we".

Is there a difference between using "could we" and "can we"?

"Could we" is generally considered more polite and formal than "can we". While both are acceptable, "could we" is often preferred in professional or formal settings.

When is it appropriate to use "could we" instead of "should we"?

"Could we" implies a question of possibility or permission, while "should we" implies a question of obligation or advisability. Use "could we" when asking if something is possible or permissible, and "should we" when asking if something is the right thing to do.