sometimes we could

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sometimes we could" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest possibilities or options that may occur at certain times in the past or future. Example: "Sometimes we could go for a walk in the park after dinner if the weather is nice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

It is politics, I know, but sometimes we could do without it.

Independent

Don't we wish, sometimes, we could just throw it all away?

The New York Times - Books

"There are some great artists out there, but sometimes we could just do with a bit more dignity," she said.

The Guardian - Music

"Or, if he was playing at the Village Vanguard or the Bitter End, sometimes we could stay up late and go with him".

The New Yorker

The group has raised $200,000 and is running radio advertisements: "Sometimes, we could use a little more sunshine in our lives".

The New York Times

"We picked our way down for two hours through this maze of poles that sometimes we couldn't see for minutes on end, but it seemed to bring some sort of calmness and order to affairs.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Sometimes, we wish we could take more interns because of the quality of the applicant pool, but we have a budget and only so much time to spend teaching college students how to do our jobs.

Huffington Post

We sometimes wish we could be there when the Capsule is finally opened and the men of tomorrow are confronted with the crumbling vestiges of a civilization.

The New Yorker

You might think "Mommy could die" would be a fairly effective argument-ender, but Dexter still asks me sometimes how we could find a queen for our colony.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I felt that he and I had so much in common that if he were over here, near my office, I could come out here sometimes and we could tell each other our troubles".

The New York Times

Parsons brings an awkward, irresistible physical and facial panache to laser-guided lines of the obnoxious variety we all sometimes wish we could get away with saying out loud.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sometimes we could", ensure that the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to a recurring past event or a potential future scenario. Adding specific timeframes or conditions can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "sometimes we could" in contexts where a definitive action or outcome is required. Overusing this phrase might make your writing seem indecisive or lacking in commitment. Choose more direct language when certainty is necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sometimes we could" functions as a modal phrase expressing possibility or conditional ability. According to Ludwig, it's generally considered correct. The modal verb "could" indicates a potential action contingent on circumstances, and "sometimes" adds a qualifier of frequency.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sometimes we could" is a versatile modal phrase used to express conditional possibilities or actions that are not always available. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it commonly appears in news, media and scientific contexts. While adaptable, it's important to consider the context, to determine alternatives such as "occasionally we might" when slight increases in formality are needed or to avoid overgeneralization when specific outcomes are intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

occasionally we might

Suggests a less frequent possibility.

from time to time we can

Indicates irregular intervals when something is possible.

at times we may

Implies a certain degree of uncertainty in timing.

periodically we are able to

More formal, emphasizing ability rather than simple possibility.

now and then we have the option to

Emphasizes choice and infrequency.

on occasion we are permitted to

Highlights permission or authorization.

certainly we are capable to

Emphasizes skill and capability.

concievably we are able to

Highlights the possibility.

at certain times we are allowed to

Highlights that permission is needed.

when conditions are favorable we can

Conditional approach.

FAQs

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

Use "sometimes we could" to express possibilities that are dependent on specific conditions or circumstances. For example: "Sometimes we could go for a walk after dinner, if the weather was nice."

What phrases are similar to "sometimes we could"?

Alternatives include "occasionally we might", "at times we may", or "from time to time we can" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "sometimes we could" or "occasionally we might"?

"Occasionally we might" tends to be slightly more formal than "sometimes we could", but both are generally acceptable in most contexts. The best choice depends on the overall tone and formality of your writing.

When should I avoid using "sometimes we could"?

Avoid using "sometimes we could" when you need to convey certainty or a definite plan. In such cases, use more direct and decisive language to avoid ambiguity.