surely we could

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "surely we could" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a sense of confidence or optimism about the possibility of doing something together. Example: "Surely we could find a solution to this problem if we work together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

But surely we could have tried a little harder?

The Guardian

Surely we could get by eating chicken, fish and, yes, more vegetables, until then.

The New York Times

Surely we could, collectively, make the world a better place – so why don't we?

The Guardian - Opinion

Surely we could make a captain's call and decide it's time for a fresh face.

The Guardian - Opinion

But if we read online, flirt online, shop online, surely we could take satisfaction in giving online?

The New York Times

"In the 60s, it was sort of this Xanadu of: we've got these dolphins, surely we could teach them English?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

If the Vietnamese were defeating the world's most powerful state, surely we, too, could defeat our own rulers: that was the dominant mood among the more radical of the 60s generation.

The Guardian

He warns the assembly of willful twenty-somethings, We may lose sight, at such difficult moments, of the path, the promise, the blessedness of our lives, because we grow too close to ourselves; our purpose here is something that surely we too could begin to make out, if it were given to us to see as God sees.

The New Yorker

When we made the estimates, we knew, surely, that we could reach five-eighths of that.

The New York Times - Sports

Surely if we could handle "How did the baby get into your tummy," we could handle this.

Huffington Post

Surely, if we could translate romantic mystery and songwriting formulae into their language and ask them to run with whatever is beating in their tiny silicon hearts, they could write an awesome chorus.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "surely we could", ensure the context supports the implied confidence. Avoid using it in situations where the possibility is highly uncertain or requires significant external factors to align.

Common error

Avoid using "surely we could" when the possibility is highly speculative or dependent on unpredictable conditions. It can create a false sense of assurance and undermine credibility if the outcome is unlikely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surely we could" functions as an epistemic modal, expressing a degree of confidence or expectation regarding a possibility. It softens a suggestion or request, making it more palatable while still implying a reasonable chance of success. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "surely we could" is a versatile expression used to suggest possibilities or express confidence in collaborative efforts. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, it carries a neutral tone, making it appropriate for various contexts. Related phrases like "certainly we can" offer nuanced alternatives. When using "surely we could", ensure the context aligns with the implied confidence to maintain clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

certainly we can

Emphasizes confidence in ability, using "can" instead of "could" to suggest present capability.

undoubtedly we could

Adds a stronger element of certainty to the possibility, suggesting minimal doubt.

assuredly we could

Similar to "undoubtedly", reinforces the sense of confidence in our ability.

it stands to reason we could

Introduces a logical element, implying the possibility is a reasonable conclusion.

it is plausible we could

Highlights the believability or feasibility of the possibility.

conceivably we could

Suggests that the possibility is within the realm of imagination or speculation.

we should be able to

Shifts focus to capability and expectation, suggesting a reasonable expectation of success.

it is not unreasonable to think we could

Offers a more cautious endorsement of the possibility, avoiding strong claims.

presumably we could

Indicates an assumption based on probability or likelihood.

logically we could

Emphasizes that the ability to achieve is a rational consequence.

FAQs

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

"Surely we could" is used to express a suggestion or possibility with a degree of confidence. For example, "Seeing the challenges, "surely we could" find a more efficient way to manage this project."

What phrases are similar to "surely we could"?

Alternatives include "certainly we can", "undoubtedly we could", or "assuredly we could", each conveying a slightly different level of confidence and possibility.

Is there a difference between "surely we can" and "surely we could"?

"Surely we can" generally implies a present ability or immediate possibility, while "surely we could" suggests a potential or conditional ability. The choice depends on whether you are referring to a current or future capability.

When is it inappropriate to use "surely we could"?

It's best to avoid "surely we could" when the outcome is highly uncertain or depends on factors beyond your control. Using it in such situations can sound overly optimistic or even misleading.