we can advance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we can advance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing progress or moving forward in a project, plan, or situation. Example: "After reviewing the proposal, I believe we can advance to the next stage of development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Given that reality, McConnell said, "I don't see how we can" advance tax reform.

The Washington Post

Pakistan is one more country where we can advance our security interests by promoting our political ideals.

The New York Times

Where we can advance shared interests, we will, on issues like health, migration, counterterrorism, drug trafficking and disaster response.

The Washington Post

The counter-movement is alive and well everywhere else on earth; today I feel for the first time that maybe we can advance the conversation here in Australia.

The Guardian - Opinion

In a few short months we have showed how we can advance our party's policies and principles while serving the wider national interest.

The Guardian

If we recognise our humanity in each other we can advance social justice, human dignity and the peace that we seek in the world".

The Guardian

"Once again California is showing we can do right by workers, we can advance our economy, and we can do it by the legislative process".

The Guardian

"We have an opportunity... to have an agenda that we can advance that the American people will really approve of," said Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.).

The Washington Post

"We think we can advance this demand because the government lost its legitimacy and shown it is unable to protect the path of transition," he said.

The New York Times

We are eager to see how far we can advance these programs in the future to address major problems in global public health.

Cornell University

"We like the fact that this has societal consequences, and at the same time we can advance our understanding of very fundamental chemical concepts," Lancaster says.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we can advance", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being advanced. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the goal or object of the advancement.

Common error

Avoid using "we can advance" in situations where the active voice would be more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "Progress can be advanced by us", use "We can advance progress".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we can advance" primarily functions as a statement of capability or possibility. It combines the pronoun "we", the modal verb "can" expressing ability, and the verb "advance" indicating forward movement or progress. As seen in Ludwig's examples, this phrase introduces an action that the speaker and others are capable of performing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we can advance" is a versatile expression used to convey the possibility and capability of making progress, promoting a cause, or furthering an idea. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. With examples spanning across news, science, and formal business contexts, this phrase showcases its adaptability. Its neutral register and clear communicative purpose make it a valuable tool for encouraging collaboration and highlighting potential achievements. When crafting content, be sure to clearly articulate what is being advanced to eliminate ambiguity. Furthermore, while it can be used in various contexts, being mindful of when active voice would be more impactful will lead to a better writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are able to move forward

A more general way to express progress, lacking the specific connotation of "advance".

we are able to progress

Emphasizes the ability to move forward rather than the act of advancing itself.

we have the capacity to develop

Highlights the potential for growth and elaboration.

we are in a position to improve

Focuses on enhancing something that already exists.

we could further

Suggests taking something to a more complete stage.

we can make headway

Implies overcoming obstacles to make progress.

we may promote

Conveys the sense of taking initiative to support the progress of something or someone.

we will facilitate

Focuses on making progress easier by helping to orchestrate the advance.

we might foster

Highlights the act of nurturing and encouraging progress.

we shall propel

Implies imparting substantial momentum.

FAQs

How can I use "we can advance" in a sentence?

Use "we can advance" to express the possibility of making progress or moving forward. For example: "By investing in research, "we can advance" our understanding of the disease".

What can I say instead of "we can advance"?

You can use alternatives like "we are able to progress", "we can move forward", or "we can improve" depending on the specific context.

Is "we can advance" formal or informal?

"We can advance" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language and situation will influence the overall tone.

Which is correct, "we can advance" or "we could advance"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they convey different meanings. "We can advance" indicates a present ability or possibility, while "we could advance" suggests a conditional or past possibility.