we can see

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we can see" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the ability of someone or a group of people to perceive or understand something. For example: "We can see how difficult this issue is to solve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We can see it now.

The New Yorker

But we can see it.

The New York Times

"We can see it.

The New York Times

(As we can see).

The Guardian - Film

We can see Philly!

The Guardian - Travel

We can see why.

The New York Times - Books

We can see their arms.

The Guardian - Sport

We can see the line.

The Guardian - Sport

We can see the ocean.

The New York Times

We can see that now.

The New York Times - Magazine

And we can see that.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we can see" to clearly state an observation or understanding based on available evidence.

Common error

While "we can see" is acceptable, overuse can make writing sound less sophisticated. Opt for stronger verbs or more descriptive language to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we can see" functions as an declarative statement. It indicates the ability to perceive something, either literally through sight or figuratively through understanding. Examples from Ludwig, based on user queries, showcase it's diverse usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

24%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we can see" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to convey observation, understanding, or realization. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely applicable and understood. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, but also holds relevance in scientific and informal writing. When using "we can see", ensure it accurately reflects your intent to highlight something apparent or easily observable. Consider alternatives like "we observe" or "it is apparent to us" for stylistic variation. Overusing it can diminish impact in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are able to see

This alternative emphasizes the ability to see, rather than the act of seeing itself.

we can perceive

This emphasizes the mental understanding or interpretation of what is seen.

we notice

This suggests a more passive observation.

we are witnessing

This phrase highlights the act of observing something as it happens.

we observe

This is a more formal and detached way of saying "we can see".

we make out

This suggests difficulty in seeing clearly.

it is apparent to us

This emphasizes that something is obvious or clear to the speakers.

we discern

This implies careful observation and the ability to distinguish something.

we realize

This shifts the focus to understanding rather than visual perception.

we understand

This focuses on cognitive comprehension rather than direct visual observation.

FAQs

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

You can use "we can see" to express that something is observable or understandable. For example, "We can see the results of the experiment" or "We can see the importance of this decision".

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

You can use alternatives like "we observe", "it is apparent to us", or "we notice", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "we can see"?

"We can see" is suitable when you want to point out something that is evident or understandable based on the available information. It's commonly used in explanations, analyses, and observations.

What is the difference between "we can see" and "we understand"?

"We can see" usually refers to something visually apparent or easily observable, while "we understand" implies a deeper comprehension or grasp of a concept.