Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
how we can proceed
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"how we can proceed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to ask someone for their idea or opinion on a particular topic. For example: "I'm not sure what the best course of action is. How can we proceed?".
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Academia
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
7 human-written examples
So now let's see how we can proceed.
Academia
"I don't know how we can proceed" with that, she said.
News & Media
The regulator will make a decision on how we can proceed.
News & Media
"If the basement can't be connected, I don't see how we can proceed," she said.
News & Media
I will call you early next week to discuss how we can proceed.
News & Media
It will then discuss how such techniques can be incorporated into strategies for model improvement and will try to provide some future perspectives on how we can proceed in this direction as a research community.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
53 human-written examples
The hope is that once the receptive fields and maps generated by the contralateral eye are well understood within the context of the theory, we can proceed to investigate how the delayed ipsilateral input, and activity-dependent processes, modify these initial structures during the critical period.
Science
Together they will examine what scientific insights have been gleaned from both efforts and how we can most judiciously proceed toward the next majestic horizons.
News & Media
"I don't think the cardinals were specific enough in how we as bishops can proceed".
News & Media
Later in this article we shall return to the problem facing Stygian Chemical and see how management can proceed to solve it by using decision trees.
News & Media
"We discuss how economic development can proceed with attention to the precautionary principle so that there is mutual flourishing of human beings within natural systems," he says.
Academia
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "how we can proceed", ensure it's followed by a clear context or goal. This clarifies the direction of the intended action. For example, "how we can proceed to achieve our goals".
Common error
Avoid using "how we can proceed" in isolation. It's often vague without a defined objective. Instead of saying "We need to discuss how we can proceed", specify the subject: "We need to discuss how we can proceed with the project rollout".
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "how we can proceed" functions as a relative clause, often introducing a question or discussion about a course of action. It indicates an inquiry into the methods or steps involved in moving forward. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Academia
40%
Science
20%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "how we can proceed" serves as a relative clause, inviting discussion on methods for moving forward, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its neutral register makes it suitable across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science, though examples are relatively rare. It is grammatically sound and best used with a clear context to avoid vagueness. To enhance clarity, avoid using it in isolation and specify the subject of discussion, as in, "How can we proceed with the investigation?" Explore alternatives such as "how we might continue" or "what our next steps should be" for nuanced expressions. By considering these aspects, you can effectively use "how we can proceed" in your writing and communication.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
how we might continue
Focuses on the possibility of continuing a process or action, rather than the method itself.
how we should go forward
Emphasizes a sense of obligation or recommendation in the manner of moving ahead.
how we should move ahead
Similar to "go forward", but with a slightly more proactive tone.
what our next steps should be
Shifts the focus to specific actions that need to be taken.
what course of action we should take
Highlights the decision-making aspect of choosing a specific path.
how to proceed from here
Highlights a sequential order instead of an open 'can' possibility.
what our plan of action should be
Focuses on creating a structured plan to address a situation.
what our method should be
Emphasizes the choice of a particular methodology.
how we intend to carry on
Implies a pre-existing commitment to continue, focusing on the manner of continuation.
what strategy we ought to employ
Highlights the strategic considerations involved in choosing a course of action.
FAQs
How to use "how we can proceed" in a sentence?
Use "how we can proceed" to inquire about the method or steps to take in a particular situation. For example, "Now that we have all the information, let's discuss "how we can proceed" with the investigation".
What can I say instead of "how we can proceed"?
You can use alternatives like "how we might continue", "what our next steps should be", or "what course of action we should take" depending on the context.
Which is correct, "how we can proceed" or "how can we proceed"?
Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different uses. "How we can proceed" is typically used as part of a larger sentence or clause, while "How can we proceed" is a direct question.
What's the difference between "how we can proceed" and "how should we proceed"?
"How we can proceed" focuses on the possibility and means of moving forward, while "how should we proceed" focuses on the recommended or optimal way to move forward.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested