we can barely wait

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we can barely wait" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express excitement or anticipation about something that is going to happen soon. Example: "The concert is just a week away, and we can barely wait to see our favorite band perform live."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"He has gone from being anxious and unhappy in a school where we could barely see the teacher, to being excited every day," says Jones. "He can barely wait to get out of the door".

The Guardian

Some can barely wait.

The Economist

One imagines Capello can barely wait.

Independent

I can barely wait to read the next one.

The Guardian - Books

With the hated Taliban gone, the dispossessed can barely wait to get back in.

The New York Times

Steeling its nerves by means of taking more strong drink, Lost in Showbiz can barely wait to find out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We actors are so thrilled with the amazing success of cable television and the advent of new media," he said, partly in jest, "and can barely wait to renegotiate".

The New York Times

At the same time there is a vibrant cultural life, a strong business sector, good infrastructure, a wealth of natural resources and a thriving tourist industry that can barely wait to cash in on the football World Cup this summer.

The Economist

But it surely speaks for every red-blooded rock fan when it says it can barely wait to hear Coldplay's steamy forthcoming long-player, Ballads of a Master Cocksman.

The Guardian - Film

I can barely wait for the inspector to ask someone to "account for their movements" on the night that the retired army major's head was found in a hatbox behind the post office.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nepotism in music is nothing new, but these days rap's pushy parents can barely wait until their offspring are out of nappies before ushering them into a recording studio.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we can barely wait" to express genuine enthusiasm and anticipation for an upcoming event or experience. It adds a touch of informality and excitement to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "we can barely wait" in highly formal or professional settings where a more subdued tone is appropriate. Consider alternatives like "we eagerly anticipate" or "we look forward to" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we can barely wait" functions as an expression of anticipation or excitement. It indicates a strong positive feeling towards a future event or experience. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we can barely wait" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express anticipation and excitement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Although this phrase did not provide definitive patterns, its usage is versatile, fitting well within casual conversations and certain professional settings. When aiming for a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "we eagerly anticipate". This phrase is typically considered to be a neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are eagerly awaiting

Implies a strong positive expectation and anticipation, often for a specific event.

we are looking forward to

A more formal and general expression of anticipation.

we anticipate with excitement

Highlights the enthusiastic feeling associated with the anticipation.

we are keenly anticipating

Emphasizes the intensity and enthusiasm of the anticipation.

we are excited for

A more direct and simple expression of excitement about something.

we are on tenterhooks

Describes a state of nervous anticipation or suspense.

we are itching for

Expresses a strong desire and impatience for something to happen.

we can't contain our excitement

Focuses on the inability to control the feeling of excitement.

we are all agog

A less common, more emphatic way of saying that one is extremely eager or excited.

we are in high anticipation

Highlights the elevated level of anticipation and expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "we can barely wait" in a sentence?

You can use "we can barely wait" to express excitement about something that is about to happen. For example, "The new movie is coming out next week, and "we can barely wait" to see it."

What can I say instead of "we can barely wait"?

You can use alternatives like "we are eagerly awaiting", "we are looking forward to", or "we anticipate with excitement" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "we can barely wait"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The structure follows standard English grammar rules for expressing anticipation or excitement.

What is the difference between "we can barely wait" and "we can hardly wait"?

The phrases ""we can barely wait"" and "we can hardly wait" are nearly synonymous and can be used interchangeably to express a strong feeling of anticipation. The difference in meaning is negligible.