we can discern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we can discern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability to perceive, recognize, or understand something clearly. Example: "After analyzing the data, we can discern a clear trend in consumer behavior over the past year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We can discern, too, a bit more than the exhibition tells us.

The New York Times - Arts

"In fact, we have seen a slowing of activity in Europe, and we can discern no improvement in the Americas".

The New York Times

We can discern no special point in being American when all the rest of the world is dead.

The New Yorker

But what we can discern of the Republican "ideas" lying in wait almost makes Bush's conservatism actually seem compassionate.

The New York Times

They were not, however, required to divest their commodities activities (or anything else that we can discern).

The New York Times

We all have an inherent bias towards assuming that we can discern a person's inner mental state simply by observing them.

The Guardian

But when the parties entered into all three transactions simultaneously, he added, "the only possible purpose we can discern was to disguise a loan from Chase to Enron".

The New York Times

In them, we believe we can discern the purest manifestation of the mysteries of artistic inspiration and apprehend a creative idea in its essential traits.

The New York Times

AS the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico follows on the heels of the financial crisis, we can discern a toxic recipe for catastrophe.

The New York Times

In galleries we can discern how a nation thinks about itself and its place in the world by seeing what it values and how it tells its stories.

The New York Times - Arts

These paintings are the exhibition's highlight, for in them we can discern a powerful sense of rapport with the subjects that is often lacking in his portraits of adults.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we can discern" when you want to express the ability to clearly perceive or understand something, often implying a careful or thoughtful observation. For instance, "We can discern a pattern in the data that suggests a correlation."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "we can discern" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "we can see" or "we can tell" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we can discern" functions as a statement of ability, indicating the capacity to perceive or understand something, often with careful or thoughtful observation. As noted by Ludwig AI, it expresses a clear recognition or understanding of a particular element.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

46%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we can discern" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression signifying the ability to perceive, recognize, or understand something through careful observation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans diverse fields, including News & Media and Scientific domains, often to articulate insights or conclusions drawn from analysis. While the phrase is versatile, it is slightly formal, implying a level of analytical thought. Alternatives such as "we can identify" or "we can detect" may be more appropriate in less formal contexts. When writing, consider the context and audience to ensure the chosen phrase aligns with the desired level of formality and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we can identify

Focuses on the act of recognizing or pinpointing something specific, akin to discerning but with a stronger emphasis on identification.

we can determine

Focuses on reaching a firm decision or conclusion, implying a more definitive outcome.

we can recognize

Highlights the act of identifying something previously known or familiar, contrasting with discerning something new.

we can detect

Implies discovering something not immediately obvious, like discerning but emphasizes finding something hidden.

we can observe

Focuses on careful and systematic watching, emphasizing the process of observation.

we are able to perceive

Emphasizes the ability to perceive something, similar to discerning but focuses on the capacity to perceive.

we can ascertain

Stresses the process of finding something out for certain, which may include investigation.

we can make out

Suggests perceiving something with effort, often due to obscurity or distance, adding a nuance of difficulty.

we are able to notice

Emphasizes the act of becoming aware of something, focusing on the initial observation.

we are able to understand

Highlights comprehension and understanding, shifting the focus from mere perception to deeper insight.

FAQs

What does "we can discern" mean?

The phrase "we can discern" means that we are able to perceive, recognize, or understand something, often through careful observation or analysis.

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

You can use alternatives like "we can identify", "we can detect", or "we can understand" depending on the context.

Is "we can discern" formal or informal?

"We can discern" leans towards the formal side, implying careful observation and analysis. For more casual situations, consider alternatives like "we can see" or "we can tell".

How to use "we can discern" in a sentence?

You can use "we can discern" to describe an ability to perceive something subtle or requiring careful thought. For example, "After analyzing the data, we can discern a trend." or "From his expression, we can discern his disapproval."