we can only make

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we can only make" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing limitations on what can be created or produced in a given context. Example: "Given the resources we have, we can only make a small number of prototypes for testing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We can only make it less bad".

The New York Times - Science

Right now, we can only make statements about national polling.

The Guardian - Opinion

That said, we can only make so many movies that are Oscar nominees.

The New York Times

"We can only make one or two of those," he says.

The New York Times - Magazine

But we can only make these improvements within a framework of sustainable finances.

The Guardian

"We can only make sure that they have the best protection".

The New York Times

We can only make a difference to our region and nation's economy by looking beyond our borders to international partnerships.

The Guardian

It is a private profession so we can't really stop it, but we can only make a request.

The New York Times

"There will never be 100-percent security in this world; we can only make a 100-percent effort".

The New York Times

We are so overwhelmingly behind from the moment we go on the air that we can only make up the difference with events".

The New York Times - Arts

This is because we can only make sense of things in relation to what we already know, which is our "horizon".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we can only make" to clearly state limitations in what can be produced or achieved. This ensures transparency and manages expectations effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "we can only make" when you actually have the potential for more. Ensure your statement accurately reflects your capabilities to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we can only make" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express limitation or constraint. It indicates that there are restrictions on what can be created, produced, or achieved, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we can only make" is a versatile expression used to indicate limitations or constraints on actions, production, or achievements. Grammatically correct and widely accepted, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While "we can only make" is suitable for various registers, ensuring accuracy and avoiding overstatements are crucial for maintaining credibility. Related phrases include alternatives such as "we are limited to producing" and "we are only able to create", each offering slightly different nuances. By understanding these subtleties, writers can effectively communicate limitations and manage expectations in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are only able to create

Replaces "can" with "are able", emphasizing capability.

we are limited to producing

Focuses on the constraint in production.

our ability is restricted to making

Highlights the restriction on the ability to make.

we are capable of only making

Similar to "we are only able", but with a slightly more formal tone.

it's only possible for us to make

Emphasizes the possibility aspect, while maintaining the limitation.

the maximum we can produce is

Focuses on the maximum output achievable.

we can at most create

Uses "at most" to indicate the upper limit.

we have the ability to only make

Highlights the limited ability to make something.

our production is confined to

Emphasizes the confined nature of production.

we can barely manage to make

Indicates a struggle to achieve the making process.

FAQs

How do I use "we can only make" in a sentence?

Use "we can only make" to express limitations on what can be produced or achieved. For example, "Given the current budget, "we can only make" a small number of prototypes."

What are some alternatives to "we can only make"?

You can use alternatives such as "we are limited to producing", "we are only able to create", or "our ability is restricted to making" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "we only can make" instead of "we can only make"?

The correct phrasing is "we can only make". The alternative "we only can make" is less common and can sound awkward in formal writing.

What is the difference between "we can only make" and "we are trying to make"?

"We can only make" indicates a limitation on production or achievement, while "we are trying to make" suggests an ongoing effort without specifying limitations. The first emphasizes constraints, whereas the second focuses on effort.