knows we could

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "knows we could" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's awareness of potential actions or possibilities that a group or individuals might take. Example: "She knows we could achieve great things if we work together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

God knows we could all do with a laugh".

The Guardian

God knows we could all do with a little bit of that at the moment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What he or she knows we could not possibly figure out on our own.

The New York Times - Magazine

Everybody in Mexico knows we could have beaten the United States.

The New York Times

"Everybody knows we could put a CVS on that corner or a Duane Reade," Mr. Mendelson said.

The New York Times

It's one of the Enlightenment's best-written restraints on power and, God knows, we could use it in the UK.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

They knew we could win.

The New York Times - Sports

We knew we could beat them".

The New York Times - Sports

We knew we couldn't stay there".

The New York Times - Sports

"We always knew we could do it.

The New York Times

"The players would know we could compete.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "knows we could", ensure that the context clearly establishes who "knows" and who "we" refers to, maintaining clarity and avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "knows we could" in contexts where the knowledge or belief is not well-founded or lacks evidence. Ensure there is a reasonable basis for the assertion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "knows we could" typically functions as part of a clause where it expresses someone's understanding or belief in the potential or ability of a group ('we') to achieve something. This aligns with Ludwig AI examples showcasing contexts where individuals or groups are confident in their capabilities. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "knows we could" is grammatically sound and expresses a belief or awareness of a group's potential. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It appears most frequently in news and media, though its overall frequency is rare. When using "knows we could", clarity regarding who "knows" and who "we" refers to is essential. Alternative phrases like "is aware we can" or "understands we might" can be used depending on the context. It's crucial to avoid overgeneralization and ensure a reasonable basis for the stated knowledge or belief.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is aware we can

Replaces "knows" with "is aware", offering a more formal tone while maintaining the core meaning.

understands we might

Substitutes "knows" with "understands" and "could" with "might", indicating a comprehension of a possibility.

believes we are able to

Uses "believes" instead of "knows" and expands "could" to "are able to", emphasizing a conviction in capability.

recognizes our potential to

Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal construction emphasizing potential and recognition.

sees that we have the capacity to

Offers a more descriptive alternative highlighting the capacity or ability to perform a certain action.

is conscious of our ability to

Uses "is conscious of" to replace "knows", making the phrase more formal and emphasizing awareness.

realizes we are capable of

Substitutes "knows" with "realizes", indicating an understanding of existing capabilities.

appreciates our chances to

Shifts the focus to appreciation of opportunities and chances, rather than direct knowledge of capability.

acknowledges our power to

Emphasizes the acknowledgment of power or strength, rather than simple knowledge.

is convinced we might

Uses "is convinced" which implies that you are sure that something is true. It's a bit more assertive than "knows".

FAQs

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

You can use "knows we could" to express someone's awareness or belief in a group's ability to do something. For example, "She knows we could win if we try hard enough."

What are some alternatives to "knows we could"?

You can use alternatives like "is aware we can", "understands we might", or "believes we are able to", depending on the context.

Is "knows we could" grammatically correct?

Yes, "knows we could" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English sentence structure and is widely used.

What's the difference between "knows we could" and "knew we could"?

"Knows we could" implies a present understanding or awareness, while "knew we could" suggests a past understanding. The choice depends on the timeframe of the knowledge or belief.