we can agree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we can agree" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a mutual understanding or consensus between parties in a discussion or argument. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, I believe we can agree that the proposed solution is the best course of action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We can agree on that.

The New York Times

We can agree, or we can agree to disagree".

The New York Times - Sports

I think we can agree on that.

The New York Times

"I think we can agree about that.

The New Yorker

We can agree to that.

The Washington Post

On this we can agree.

The Guardian - Opinion

If we can agree, that's fine.

The Guardian

I think we can agree that's settled.

The Guardian

We can agree on that reform.

The New York Times

Surely we can agree on that?

The Guardian - Arts

We can agree that the press had it coming.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we can agree" to establish common ground and build consensus in discussions. It's particularly useful in negotiations or debates to highlight points of shared understanding before addressing areas of disagreement.

Common error

Avoid using "we can agree" excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "we concur" or "we are in agreement" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we can agree" functions as a declarative statement indicating a mutual understanding or consensus between individuals. It is often used to establish common ground in a discussion or argument. Ludwig examples showcase its use in diverse contexts, supporting its function as a consensus-building tool.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we can agree" is a versatile phrase used to express mutual understanding and build consensus across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. While synonyms like "we can concur" offer a more formal tone, and overuse should be avoided to prevent redundancy, the phrase remains a valuable tool for fostering agreement and facilitating effective communication. Remember to use it strategically to highlight shared perspectives and pave the way for productive discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we can concur

Formal synonym, implying agreement after careful consideration.

we are in agreement

States the fact of agreement directly.

we both agree

Emphasizes the mutual nature of the agreement.

we can acknowledge

Suggests accepting something as true or valid, even if without full agreement.

we can recognize

Similar to acknowledge, but emphasizes understanding or awareness.

we can accept

Implies a willingness to go along with something, even if not enthusiastically.

we can admit

Suggests conceding a point, often reluctantly.

we are of one mind

Indicates a shared perspective or opinion.

we can understand

Focuses on comprehension rather than outright agreement.

we see eye to eye

Idiomatic expression for complete agreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "we can agree" to indicate mutual understanding or consensus, like in the sentence: "After reviewing the data, "we can agree" that further investigation is needed."

What are some alternatives to "we can agree"?

Alternatives include "we can concur", "we are in agreement", or "we can acknowledge" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "we can agree" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "we can agree" can sometimes sound informal. In highly formal contexts, consider using more elevated alternatives like "we can concur" or "it is agreed that".

What's the difference between "we can agree" and "we must agree"?

"We can agree" suggests a possibility or willingness to agree, while "we must agree" implies a necessity or obligation to agree. The former is more collaborative, whereas the latter is more forceful.