how can we

USAGE SUMMARY

"how can we" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "how can we" when asking a question about the possibility of achieving something. For example: "How can we make this project successful?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How can we improve.

The New York Times

How can we?

The New York Times - Books

How can we object?

Independent

How can we help?

The New Yorker

How can we know?

The New York Times

But how can we tell?

The New York Times

How can we make more?

The New York Times

How can we feel safe?

Independent

How can we reconcile this?

The New York Times

"How can we outdo ourselves?

The New York Times

How can we be certain?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how can we" to initiate a collaborative problem-solving discussion, promoting inclusivity and shared responsibility.

Common error

Don't use "how can we" if the action is an individual responsibility. Instead, specify who should take the action, ensuring clear accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how can we" functions as an interrogative phrase used to solicit suggestions, strategies, or methods for achieving a goal or resolving an issue. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness, and the numerous examples showcase its diverse applications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how can we" is a versatile and grammatically sound interrogative phrase used to initiate collaborative problem-solving. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It's particularly common in "News & Media" and "Academia", with a neutral register suitable for diverse settings. When using this phrase, ensure the context calls for collective action rather than individual responsibility. Consider alternatives like "what strategies can we employ" or "what options are available to us" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

How might we achieve this?

Highlights the achievement of a specific goal.

How do we go about doing this?

Focuses on the process or manner of achieving something.

How should we approach this?

Emphasizes the mindset or method used to tackle a situation.

What strategies can we employ?

Focuses specifically on strategies or methods.

What are our possible solutions?

Focuses on identifying potential solutions to a problem.

What steps should we take?

Directs attention to concrete actions or procedures.

What options are available to us?

Emphasizes the range of choices or possibilities.

In what ways can we proceed?

Suggests a broader approach to moving forward.

What avenues are open to us?

Highlights the different paths or routes available.

What is the best course of action?

Focuses on identifying the optimal action among several possibilities.

FAQs

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

Use "how can we" to start a question that explores possible solutions or approaches to a shared goal or problem. For example, "How can we improve our teamwork?"

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

You can use alternatives like "what strategies can we employ", "what options are available to us", or "how might we achieve this" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "how can we" or "how we can"?

"How can we" is used to form a question, while "how we can" is used in a statement or clause. For example, "I wonder how we can improve."

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

Avoid using "how can we" when the action required is an individual responsibility rather than a group effort. In such cases, specify who is responsible for the action.