we can imagine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we can imagine" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing hypothetical situations or possibilities that one can visualize or conceive. Example: "In a world where technology has advanced significantly, we can imagine a future where everyone has access to clean energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We can imagine a female president".

The New York Times

If we can imagine, it will happen.

The New York Times

But we can imagine what really happened.

The Guardian

We can imagine painting making similar declarations.

The Guardian - Books

That's simply because we can imagine Brooks playing him.

The New York Times - Books

Indeed, we can imagine him rolling over in his grave.

The New York Times - Books

The funniest, smartest, kindest husband and father we can imagine.

The New York Times

We can imagine fascinating interactions or collaborations between them.

The Guardian

The result will be bigger than we can imagine.

The Guardian

Somewhere in the psyche is everything we can imagine.

The New Yorker

The ­interconnectedness creates a larger narrative, so we can imagine countless other versions still unrevealed.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we can imagine" to introduce hypothetical scenarios, explore potential outcomes, or suggest possibilities that might not be immediately obvious. For instance, "We can imagine a future where self-driving cars are the norm."

Common error

Avoid using "we can imagine" excessively in descriptive passages where direct and vivid language would be more impactful. Overuse can make your writing sound less confident and more speculative. Opt for descriptive wording instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we can imagine" primarily functions as a modal expression used to introduce hypothetical scenarios, possibilities, or potential outcomes. It signals the act of envisioning or conceiving something in the mind, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we can imagine" is a versatile phrase used to introduce hypothetical scenarios and possibilities. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news and media, and scientific contexts. While it's appropriate for a variety of situations, overuse in descriptive passages should be avoided for the sake of clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "we can envision" or "we can conceive" can add nuance to your writing. By using this phrase judiciously, you can effectively explore potential outcomes and engage your audience in creative thinking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we can envision

Replaces "imagine" with "envision", suggesting a more detailed or vivid mental picture.

we can conceive

Uses "conceive" instead of "imagine", implying a more intellectual or abstract understanding.

we can picture

Substitutes "imagine" with "picture", focusing on the visual aspect of the mental image.

we can visualize

Employs "visualize" to emphasize the creation of a mental image.

we might imagine

Adds "might" to introduce a degree of uncertainty or possibility.

we could imagine

Uses "could" to suggest a potential or hypothetical scenario.

it's conceivable that

Shifts the focus to the possibility of something being conceived.

it is imaginable that

Replaces "we can" with "it is", emphasizing the possibility of imagining something.

we can assume

Uses "assume" instead of "imagine", implying a belief without concrete proof.

we can suppose

Substitutes "imagine" with "suppose", suggesting a tentative or provisional assumption.

FAQs

How can I use "we can imagine" in a sentence?

Use "we can imagine" to introduce hypothetical scenarios or possibilities. For example, "We can imagine a world without pollution" suggests a possible, though not necessarily probable, future.

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

You can use alternatives like "we can envision", "we can conceive", or "we can picture" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "we could imagine" instead of "we can imagine"?

Both "we can imagine" and "we could imagine" are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "We can imagine" suggests a present ability or possibility, while "we could imagine" suggests a hypothetical or past possibility.

What's the difference between "we can imagine" and "we can assume"?

"We can imagine" implies creating a mental picture or scenario, while "We can assume" suggests accepting something as true without proof. Imagination is more about possibility, while assumption is about belief.