we can kill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we can kill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the ability to end something, whether literally or metaphorically, such as in discussions about a project, a plan, or even in a fictional narrative. Example: "If we don't address the issues now, we can kill the chances of success for this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It teaches us that we can kill those who kill to show that killing is wrong.

Huffington Post

We can kill.

Independent

"That way we can kill more".

The Economist

"We can kill the captives by bullet," he counselled.

The New Yorker

That we can kill in the name of God.

The New Yorker

We can kill Antonio Richardson, but to what end?

The New York Times

If we don't handle it correctly, we can kill it".

The New York Times

We can kill time, but language kills us.

The New Yorker

"We can kill the captives by bullet," the letter said.

The New York Times

"We didn't buy it so we can kill it," Mr. Hurley said.

The New York Times - Tech

"Our customers phone in advance, so we can kill the pigs before they come.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we can kill" in writing, consider the impact and potential interpretations. Ensure the context clarifies whether it's a literal or figurative statement to avoid miscommunication.

Common error

Avoid using "we can kill" casually when discussing disagreements or minor inconveniences. Overusing this phrase can desensitize its impact and make you sound aggressive or insensitive, especially when less dramatic language would suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we can kill" functions as a statement of capability or potential action. As Ludwig AI shows, it is used to express the ability to end something, whether literally (as in physical harm) or figuratively (as in ending a project or idea).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we can kill" is a potent expression indicating capability, with applications ranging from literal actions to metaphorical terminations. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and sees frequent use, primarily in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, writers should carefully consider the context to ensure clarity and avoid unintended interpretations. Although common, alternatives like ""we can eliminate"" or "we can neutralize" might be more appropriate in formal or sensitive settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we can put an end to

Suggests stopping or concluding something, often a negative situation.

we can neutralize

Focuses on rendering something harmless or ineffective.

we can suppress

Emphasizes the act of subduing or preventing something from developing.

we have the means to eliminate

Emphasizes the availability of resources or methods to achieve elimination.

we can quash

Suggests suppressing or rejecting something forcefully.

we can eradicate

Implies the removal of something completely, often a problem or disease.

we are able to terminate

Highlights the capability to bring something to an end, often in a formal or decisive manner.

we have the capacity to extinguish

Highlights the ability to put an end to something, often used metaphorically for ideas or movements.

we have the power to destroy

Focuses on the strength or authority to cause destruction.

we are in a position to annihilate

Indicates a strategic advantage that allows for complete obliteration.

FAQs

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

You can use "we can kill" to express the ability to eliminate something, literally or figuratively. For example, "If we invest in better technology, "we can kill" the competition", or "If we aren't careful, "we can kill" the project's chances of success".

What are some alternatives to "we can kill"?

Alternatives include phrases like "we can eliminate", "we can terminate", or "we can put an end to", depending on the specific context.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "we can kill"?

It's appropriate to use "we can kill" in contexts where you want to express the ability to decisively end something, whether it's a problem, a plan, or a competitor. However, use caution in sensitive or informal situations where it might be misinterpreted.

Is "we can kill" too strong of a phrase to use in professional writing?

The appropriateness of "we can kill" in professional writing depends on the context. In some situations, it may be too strong and a more neutral phrase like "we can eliminate" or "we can overcome" might be more suitable.