we can either

USAGE SUMMARY

"we can either" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are presenting two options, for example: "We can either go to the park, or we can go to the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We can either abstain or vote yes.

The New York Times

We can either act or we can wait and react.

The New York Times

We can either change our policies or change our expectations.

The Guardian

We can either bemoan this complexity or celebrate it.

The New York Times - Magazine

We can either slam the door or let it in.

The Guardian

We can either be friends or hate each other.

The Guardian - Business

We can either continue to stink or play better.

The New York Times - Sports

"We can either move forward or lapse backward".

The New York Times

He added: "Now we can either run away from those problems or we can confront them.

The Guardian

"We can either recapitalize the banks again, or we can just let them go bust".

The New York Times

We can either accept that outcome as inevitable, and tolerate constant and crippling conflict.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary the structure following "we can either" to maintain reader engagement. For example, use parallel structures (We can either do X or do Y) or varied sentence lengths to enhance readability.

Common error

Avoid starting a sentence with "we can either" without clearly stating both alternatives. Failing to complete the structure leaves the reader hanging and weakens the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we can either" functions as a disjunctive coordinator, introducing two mutually exclusive options or alternatives. It sets up a binary choice for the subject (in this case, "we"), guiding the reader or listener to consider the possibilities. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is used correctly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Opinion

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we can either" is a common and grammatically sound way to present two distinct alternatives. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's generally used correctly across different contexts, particularly in news, opinion pieces, and business communications. To use it effectively, ensure that the options are clearly defined and mutually exclusive. Keep in mind alternatives like "the choice is between" or "we have the option to" for variety. By avoiding incomplete alternatives, you can ensure clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the choice is between

Directly states the presence of a selection, highlighting the limited number of options.

we have the option to

Focuses on the availability of choices, shifting from a direct suggestion to a statement of possibility.

the options before us are

Outlines the available choices, often implying a need for evaluation and prioritization.

our alternatives include

Highlights the set of available choices, framing them as a predefined list.

we could opt for

Suggests options in a less forceful manner, presenting them as viable possibilities.

we might consider

Introduces options as potential considerations, softening the assertive tone of a direct choice.

we're faced with a choice of

Emphasizes the situation of being confronted with a decision, making it a central aspect of the scenario.

it's up to us to decide whether to

Emphasizes the responsibility and agency in making a decision between two courses of action.

we're presented with the possibility of

Frames the situation as one of encountering potential paths, reducing the sense of immediate decision-making.

we're left with a decision to

Emphasizes the constraint of having to choose, suggesting that a decision is unavoidable.

FAQs

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

The phrase "we can either" introduces two choices or possibilities. For example, "We can either go to the movies, or stay home and read a book."

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

You can use alternatives like "the choice is between", "we have the option to", or "our alternatives include" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "we can either"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct, when used to present two options. The structure usually follows with "or" connecting the two alternatives.

What's the difference between "we can either" and "we can also"?

"We can either" presents an exclusive choice between two options, whereas "we can also" introduces an additional option without excluding others. "We can either stay in or go out" suggests choosing one. "We can go to the park, "we can also" visit the museum" lists additional possibilities.