we can know

USAGE SUMMARY

"we can know" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express the idea that something is possible or within our understanding or knowledge. Example: "By studying history, we can know the mistakes of the past and avoid repeating them."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We can know it more intimately.

The Guardian - Music

"That we can know about, yet".

The New Yorker

What we can know — or believe we can know — are the videos.

The New York Times - Magazine

When we wake, we can know the whole," Stickgold says.

The New Yorker

All we can know for certain is the performance itself".

The New Yorker

And, finally, after more than a century we can know.

The New Yorker

Telling more than we can know about intentional action.

Yale University

"And we can know if they have a favorite server".

The New York Times

"We can know only that we know nothing.

The Guardian - Sport

All we can know is what we saw against Philadelphia.

The New York Times - Sports

Working together and sharing, we can know everything.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we can know" when indicating that knowledge or understanding is achievable through a specific action or method.

Common error

Avoid using "we can know" when the knowledge is speculative or based on limited evidence. Instead, qualify the statement with phrases like "we can surmise" or "we can hypothesize".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we can know" functions primarily as an auxiliary verb phrase followed by a verb, expressing the potential or ability to acquire knowledge. It indicates that something is knowable or within the realm of understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we can know" is a versatile expression used to indicate the potential for acquiring knowledge or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used in various contexts, including science, news, and academia. While it's generally acceptable, it's essential to ensure that its use aligns with the certainty of the information being conveyed. If the knowledge is speculative, consider using alternatives that reflect a level of uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is possible to know

Emphasizes the possibility of knowing something, shifting from ability to simple possibility.

we are able to ascertain

Replaces "know" with "ascertain", suggesting a more formal and investigative process of finding something out.

we have the ability to understand

Focuses on the ability to comprehend, rather than just knowing a fact.

it is within our knowledge

Highlights that the information is accessible and part of our collective understanding.

we can determine

Suggests a process of figuring something out through investigation or reasoning.

we are in a position to know

Indicates a state or condition that allows us to have knowledge.

knowledge is attainable

Shifts the focus to the accessibility of knowledge in general.

we are capable of knowing

Stresses the capability and potential to gain knowledge.

we have access to the knowledge that

Emphasizes the availability of specific information.

we are able to find out

Focuses on the process of discovery and learning.

FAQs

How do I use "we can know" in a sentence?

"We can know" is used to express the possibility of acquiring knowledge. For example: "By studying the data, "we can know" the customer's preferences."

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

Alternatives include "it is possible to know", "we can determine", or "we are able to ascertain" depending on the context.

Is "we can know" formal or informal?

"We can know" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, consider using synonyms like ""we are able to ascertain"" for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "we can know" and "we know"?

"We can know" indicates a potential for knowledge, whereas "we know" suggests that the knowledge is already possessed. For example, "If we study hard, "we can know" the answer" versus "We know the answer because we studied hard".