should we be capable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should we be capable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential abilities or possibilities in a hypothetical situation. Example: "Should we be capable of completing the project ahead of schedule, we will celebrate our success together."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

We assimilate immigrants more slowly than we should, but at least we're capable of assimilation.

The New York Times

We should never forget that we are capable of pulling off miracles.

Los Angeles Times

An acceptance of dissociated responses as normal should not be the best we're capable of.

The New Yorker

Why should we share it when we are capable enough?" And so the state of Madhya Pradesh petitioned the Supreme Court.

The New York Times

"And when you break down our performances, there should be no surprise in what we are capable of".

BBC

"The FA Cup is a tournament that, if we have the mentality we showed today, we should be capable of competing against anyone," he said.

Independent

To do that we will need to go out and score tries and with the roof shut, we should be capable of playing the free-flowing rugby that can bring them.

Independent

"We should be capable of scoring more than two runs in a game, too".

The New York Times - Sports

Where were the new ideas we should be capable of with all our wealth and technology?

The Guardian - Opinion

Just as readers might argue about whether a book is "literature" or "trash" - or whether a "self-help" guide is helpful to anyone, much less one's self - we should be capable of asking whether a memoir is truthful, exaggerated, compromised by omission or completely made up.

The Guardian - Opinion

Surely we should be capable of beating a team ranked 48th out of the 53 teams in Europe?

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "should we be capable" to inquire about a realistic expectation of ability, often within a specific timeframe or set of conditions. It's best suited for situations where capability is not a certainty but a potential outcome of effort or planning.

Common error

Avoid using "should we be capable" when a definitive 'yes' or 'no' is required. This phrase implies a degree of uncertainty, making it unsuitable for situations demanding absolute assurance or denial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should we be capable" functions as an interrogative modal phrase, questioning the potential for a certain ability or outcome. As Ludwig AI explains, it is used when discussing potential abilities or possibilities in a hypothetical situation. The absence of direct examples in Ludwig suggests its use may be more nuanced or context-dependent.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should we be capable" serves as an interrogative expression used to inquire about the potential or likelihood of achieving a specific ability or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, noting that it is best employed in hypothetical scenarios where capability is not yet certain. Given the lack of direct examples from Ludwig, it is suggested to consider the context and nuance carefully when incorporating the phrase into your writing to avoid overstating certainty. Alternative phrases such as "we are able to" or "are we expected to be able" may offer more confident or contextually appropriate options, depending on the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could we be capable of

Replaces "should" with "could" to express a possibility.

are we expected to be able

Changes the phrasing to focus on expectation rather than inherent capability.

are we supposed to be able

Emphasizes obligation or requirement in addition to capability.

would we be able to

Shifts the modality to a hypothetical or conditional scenario.

are we likely to be able to

Focuses on the probability or likelihood of being capable.

are we in a position to

Focuses on whether the necessary resources or circumstances are available.

can we realistically expect to

Adds an element of realism or practicality to the expectation.

are we prepared to be able to

Highlights the preparedness and willingness aspects of capability.

is it reasonable to think we could

Questions the reasonableness of assuming capability.

are we adequately equipped to

Focuses on having the necessary tools and resources to be capable.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "should we be capable" to sound more confident?

For a more confident tone, consider alternatives such as "we are able to", "we can", or "we will be able to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "should we be capable" and "could we be capable"?

"Should we be capable" suggests a reasonable expectation or plan, while "could we be capable" explores a possibility without implying a plan or expectation. The former implies a degree of obligation or planning, the latter simply asks if it's within the realm of possibility.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "should we be capable"?

Use "should we be capable" when discussing potential capabilities contingent on certain conditions or efforts. It's appropriate in planning scenarios, hypothetical discussions, or when assessing the feasibility of a task.

What are some formal alternatives to "should we be capable"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "are we expected to be able", "are we in a position to", or "are we supposed to be able". These options offer a more sophisticated and professional tone.