we can be that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we can be that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are expressing the potential to fulfill a certain role or characteristic. Example: "In this project, we can be that team that sets new standards for innovation and creativity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Yeah, we can be that," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

We can be that new generation, changing our party to change our country.

The Guardian

People need a reason to come here, and if we can be that, we are glad".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Keep marching.' We may not be the best musicians, but we'll be the best musicians we can be that day, for our president".

The New York Times

"If we can be that beacon of light and hope for others who seek freedom and democracy and can live in a country that would allow intolerance in the equal rights that again our military men and women fight for and die for for all of us".

The New Yorker

I do not believe we are as safe as we can be, that's what I believe.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

We think he can be that caliber of player.

The New York Times - Sports

We believe Castner Range can be that bridge.

Huffington Post

And we both know it can be that way again.

Huffington Post

"It's nice that we can be nerds that sort of embody that truth.

Vice

We are not afraid to acknowledge that we can be ailing, that we can find ourselves weak, that we can be infirm, and that we all at some point need help.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we can be that" to express the potential for a group to embody a specific quality or role, emphasizing capability and possibility.

Common error

Avoid using "we can be that" when the possibility is highly improbable or unrealistic, as it can create a false sense of confidence or misrepresent the actual potential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we can be that" functions as an expression of potential or capability. It indicates the possibility for a group to embody a specific attribute or fulfill a certain role, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we can be that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression signifying the potential or capability for a group to embody a specific quality or fulfill a particular role. Ludwig AI affirms its usability across diverse contexts, primarily within news and media. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure the possibility expressed is realistic and not overstated. Alternatives like "we have the potential to be that" or "we are capable of being that" offer nuanced variations. Ultimately, using "we can be that" effectively involves understanding its communicative purpose of inspiring confidence and aligning it with realistic possibilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are able to be that

Highlights the ability or means to achieve a certain state or role.

we have the potential to be that

Emphasizes inherent capability and future possibility instead of current ability.

we are capable of being that

Focuses on inherent ability and capacity rather than a conditional possibility.

we could be that

Indicates a lower degree of certainty or a hypothetical scenario.

we are in a position to be that

Highlights the favorable circumstances that allow a possibility.

we aim to be that

Focuses on the intention or goal of becoming something specific.

we might be that

Suggests a possibility, but with less confidence than "we can be that".

we're positioned to be that

Indicates readiness and favorable circumstances for achieving a certain goal.

we're poised to become that

Implies readiness and an imminent transition into a particular state or role.

we aspire to be that

Emphasizes a desire or ambition to reach a certain level or fulfill a role.

FAQs

What does "we can be that" mean?

The phrase "we can be that" suggests the possibility or capability for a group to embody a particular characteristic, role, or aspiration.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "we can be that"?

Use "we can be that" when expressing a realistic potential or a shared goal, such as "we can be that beacon of light".

Are there alternatives to "we can be that"?

Yes, alternatives include phrases like "we have the potential to be that", "we are capable of being that", or "we could be that", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "we can be that" and "we will be that"?

"We can be that" expresses possibility or potential, while "we will be that" expresses certainty or determination. Use "we can be that" when discussing aspirational goals and "we will be that" when asserting a definite outcome.