we can be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we can be" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe abilities, possibilities, or potential actions in the present or future tense. For example, "We can be successful if we work hard" or "We can be anything we want to be."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We can be friends.

The New Yorker

We can be experimental.

The New Yorker

We can be seasonal.

The New York Times

We can be local.

The New York Times

"We can be heroes!

The New Yorker

We can be".

The New York Times

"We can be the leader.

The New York Times - Arts

We can be swept away.

Independent

We can be 'friends' now".

The New York Times

We can be pretty good".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"We can be a great team.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we can be", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'we' refers to, especially in collaborative writing or team settings. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures the message is easily understood by the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "we can be" in excessively general statements without specific examples or context. For instance, instead of saying "We can be better", specify what aspects you aim to improve upon to make the statement more meaningful and actionable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we can be" functions as a modal phrase expressing possibility, potential, or ability. As shown by Ludwig AI, it combines the pronoun "we", the modal verb "can", and the verb "be" to indicate a potential state or action, implying capability or opportunity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we can be" is a versatile and frequently used expression that conveys possibility, ability, or potential. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable across diverse contexts. From inspiring confidence in news articles to suggesting collaborative opportunities in business settings, "we can be" serves as a powerful tool for expressing optimism and motivating action. While the phrase is generally straightforward, writers should strive for clarity and specificity to maximize its impact and avoid vagueness. Consider using alternative phrases like "it is possible for us to be" or "we are able to be" to fine-tune the intended meaning. By understanding its nuances and employing it thoughtfully, you can harness the full potential of "we can be" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is possible for us to be

Emphasizes the possibility of a certain state or action for the speaker and associated people.

we are able to be

Highlights the ability or capability of being in a particular condition or role.

we have the potential to be

Focuses on the inherent possibility and future development of a state or quality.

we might be

Suggests a degree of uncertainty or possibility regarding a future state.

we could be

Indicates a conditional or hypothetical possibility, often depending on certain circumstances.

we may be

Expresses a moderate level of probability or permission regarding a particular state.

we stand a chance to be

Emphasizes the opportunity or likelihood of achieving a desired condition.

it's within our power to be

Highlights the control and capacity to influence or achieve a particular state.

we are in a position to be

Indicates the favorable circumstances or readiness for a specific role or condition.

the option is open for us to be

Stresses the availability and choice in achieving a certain state or action.

FAQs

How do I use "we can be" in a sentence?

Use "we can be" to express possibility, ability, or potential. For example, "We can be successful if we collaborate" or "We can be anything we set our minds to".

What are some alternatives to "we can be"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "it is possible for us to be", "we are able to be", or "we have the potential to be".

Is "we can be" grammatically correct?

Yes, "we can be" is grammatically correct. It uses the modal verb "can" to express possibility or ability, followed by the base form of the verb "to be".

What's the difference between "we can be" and "we will be"?

"We can be" expresses potential or possibility, while "we will be" expresses a future certainty. For example, "We can be friends" suggests a possibility, whereas "We will be there tomorrow" indicates a definite plan.