even we can

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "even we can" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that a group, including the speaker, is capable of doing something that may be considered surprising or unexpected. Example: "After all the hard work we've put in, even we can achieve our goals if we stay focused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Even we can hardly believe it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Even we can tell her accent's more Twickenham than Murrayfield.

The Guardian

Corruption in Russia is so open that even we can find a huge amount.

The Guardian

"So many blessings, including even we can be thankful for Hurricane Isaac.

The New York Times

He has never been afraid to say 'we can qualify for the play-offs', and even 'we can fight for first place'.

The Guardian - Sport

We have culture to guide us (traditions, science, Jane Brody), but surely even we can still hear older voices, aversions (to rot) and attractions (to sweetness) that still speak when we encounter a plate of food.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Even if we can hardly begin to understand why.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I even think we can win this game".

The New York Times - Sports

But even then, we can deal with that problem".

The New York Times

There are even things we can do ourselves unilaterally.

The Guardian

If they renege on even one, we can challenge it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "even we can" to express surprise or humility about your group's ability. It can be effective in downplaying expectations or showcasing unexpected competence.

Common error

Avoid using "even we can" when the ability is expected or commonplace. Overusing the phrase can undermine the group's credibility by suggesting a lack of confidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even we can" functions as an emphatic assertion of capability. It highlights that a specific group, including the speaker, is able to accomplish something, often implying a degree of surprise or unexpected competence, as suggested by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "even we can" is used to express a surprising or unexpected capacity within a group, and according to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct. While fairly common, its usage should be context-aware, as overusing it or using it in inappropriate contexts can undermine confidence. Ludwig's examples indicate that it appears often in News & Media and Science. When aiming for increased formality, alternatives like "we are also capable of" can be considered. Overall, "even we can" serves as a useful tool to highlight shared abilities, especially when those abilities are not immediately obvious.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are also able to do so

A more concise and versatile alternative to the original phrase.

we are also capable of

Emphasizes capability alongside others, rather than a surprising ability.

we are equally able to

Highlights equal ability and is more formal than the original phrase.

we too are able to

Highlights inclusion and ability, slightly more formal.

we as well are capable of

Stresses inclusion and capability; sounds slightly more emphatic.

it is within our ability to

Focuses on inherent ability, more formal and emphatic.

we can also manage to

Highlights the effort and possible difficulty in achieving something.

we are not exempt from being able to

Highlights that the ability is shared and no one is exempt from it, adding formality.

we are equally equipped to

Focuses on having the necessary resources or qualities to achieve something.

we are also in a position to

Emphasizes the current state or circumstance enables the ability.

FAQs

How do I use "even we can" in a sentence?

Use "even we can" to express a surprising or unexpected capability of a group, including yourself. For instance, "After thorough training, "even we can" complete this complex task."

What are some alternatives to "even we can"?

Alternatives include "we are also capable of", "we too are able to", or "we can also manage to depending" on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it inappropriate to use "even we can"?

It's inappropriate when the capability being expressed is ordinary or expected. Using it in such situations can make the group seem less competent. Avoid saying ""even we can" follow basic instructions".

What's the difference between "even we can" and "we can also"?

"Even we can" implies surprise or humility about a capability, whereas "we can also" simply adds another ability to a list. The former is more nuanced in expressing unexpected competence.