we can't

USAGE SUMMARY

'we can't' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'we can't' when expressing inability, unwillingness, or lack of permission to do something. For example, "We can't leave until we finish our homework."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We can't.

The New York Times - Sports

We Can't!

The Washington Post

I just say, We can't, we can't, we can't.

The New Yorker

"We can't move her".

The New York Times - Arts

We can't ignore it.

The New York Times

"We can't stop fighting".

Independent

We can't build it.

The New York Times

We can't ever know.

The New York Times

We can't swallow more".

The Economist

We can't be selfish.

The New York Times

Because we can't.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we can't" to express a clear and direct message of inability, impossibility, or lack of permission. Be mindful of the context and ensure it aligns with the tone of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "we can't" in formal contexts where a more explicit and less conversational tone is expected. In such situations, opt for "we are unable to" or "we cannot" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "we can't" is to express inability, impossibility, or lack of permission. Ludwig AI confirms this with its analysis, showing the phrase's use in various contexts to convey these meanings effectively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we can't" is a very common and grammatically correct contraction used to express inability, impossibility, or lack of permission. While perfectly acceptable in many contexts, including news and media, it is important to recognize that more formal alternatives like "we are unable to" or "we cannot" might be more appropriate in academic or professional settings. Ludwig AI's analysis and the numerous examples available demonstrate the phrase's widespread use and versatility. The frequency of "we can't" in authoritative sources like The New York Times underscores its legitimacy and practicality in everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are unable to

More formal alternative, suitable for professional or academic contexts.

it is impossible for us to

Emphasizes the impossibility of an action.

we are not allowed to

Focuses on a lack of permission or authorization.

we must not

Highlights a prohibition or strong recommendation against doing something.

we are restricted from

Indicates limitations or constraints preventing an action.

we lack the ability to

Highlights the absence of the necessary skills or resources.

we have no capacity to

Emphasizes the limited capacity to perform an action.

it is beyond our power to

Stresses the lack of control or influence over a situation.

we are in no position to

Suggests an unfavorable situation preventing an action.

we are not in a condition to

Expresses that the state we are in prevents an action.

FAQs

How can I use "we can't" in a sentence?

"We can't" is used to indicate an inability or lack of permission to do something. For example, "We can't go to the party because we have to work".

What's the difference between "we can't" and "we cannot"?

While both phrases mean the same thing, "we can't" is a contraction and is more informal. "We cannot" is more formal and suitable for professional contexts.

What can I say instead of "we can't"?

You can use alternatives like "we are unable to", "it is impossible for us to", or "we are not allowed to" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "we can't" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "we can't" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's best to use the full form, "we cannot".