we can wait

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we can wait" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express patience or willingness to delay an action or decision until a later time. Example: "If you're not ready to discuss the project yet, we can wait until you have all the information you need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We can wait all night".

The New York Times

"We can wait," he said.

The New York Times

Ah well, we can wait.

The Guardian

Within reason, we can wait".

The New York Times

"We can wait no longer.

The Guardian

We can wait three months".

The New York Times

"We can wait another six months".

The New Yorker

As I said, we can wait.

The Guardian

"We can wait to make a decision".

The New York Times - Sports

"We can wait until you're ready".

The New York Times - Magazine

We can wait another 30 days".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we can wait", consider the context and ensure it clearly conveys patience or a lack of urgency. For instance, "If the terms aren't right, "we can wait" for a better offer" clarifies a strategic decision to postpone action.

Common error

Avoid using "we can wait" when a specific timeframe or alternative action is necessary. Saying "we can wait", without further context, can imply an indefinite delay that may not be practical or intended. Add a reasonable deadline or condition, for example, "we can wait until next week".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we can wait" functions as an expression of willingness or ability to postpone an action or decision. It indicates that the speakers or actors involved are not constrained by time or urgency. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

11%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

7%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we can wait" is a versatile phrase used to express patience or the option to postpone actions, found across diverse contexts from news to academia. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly used. Consider its implications carefully: indefinite delay can be impractical; adding a specific timeframe adds clarity. Alternatives like "we are able to wait" offer subtle variations in meaning. The phrase’s prevalence in authoritative sources highlights its widespread acceptance and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are able to wait

Replaces "can" with "are able to", emphasizing the ability to wait.

we have the option to wait

Highlights the availability of waiting as a choice or possibility.

waiting is an option for us

Shifts the focus to waiting as a viable option.

we are prepared to wait

Indicates readiness and willingness to wait, emphasizing patience.

we are in no hurry

Implies that there is no need to rush, suggesting a relaxed approach.

we can afford to wait

Suggests that there are no negative consequences to waiting.

we are patient

Directly expresses the quality of patience.

we will hold off

Uses a phrasal verb to express delaying an action.

we can delay

Uses a single verb to express postponing something.

we're good to wait

A more informal way of saying "we are prepared to wait".

FAQs

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

Use "we can wait" to express patience or willingness to delay an action. For example, "If you need more time to decide, "we can wait" until tomorrow".

What's a more formal way to say "we can wait"?

A more formal alternative to "we can wait" is "we are prepared to wait", which conveys a similar meaning but in a more professional tone.

What are some alternatives to "we can wait" that imply a lack of urgency?

Alternatives like "we are in no hurry" or "we can afford to wait" suggest that there's no pressure to act immediately.

Is it correct to say "we can to wait"?

No, "we can to wait" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""we can wait"", where "can" is a modal verb followed by the base form of the verb "wait".