we can work it out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we can work it out" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to express the idea that a problem or situation can be resolved through effort and collaboration. Example: After a heated argument, John and Sarah sat down to discuss their differences. John said, "We may not agree right now, but I believe we can work it out together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

We hope we can work it out".

The New York Times

We've got mature adults, we can work it out".

The New York Times - Sports

Not if we can work it out, we won't.

The Guardian - Sport

The narrator concludes with "We Can Work It Out," which he dedicates to Sheila.

The New Yorker

"I think we can work it out in a bipartisan way.

The Washington Post

"But now that it's happened, I'm sure we can work it out somehow, and I don't mind the challenge.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Not many foreigners can work it out".

The New Yorker

Fortunately we can work it all out with the formulas given by Einstein's theory.

Harvard University

"It would be ridiculous for them (movie and TV personnel) to tell us what to do, when we know what we can do and can work it out.

Los Angeles Times

You can work it out.

The New York Times - Sports

The following days they proceeded with the composition and recording of "Exposition/We Can Work It Out" and of the original track "Listen, Learn, Read On".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we can work it out" when you want to express optimism about solving a problem through collaboration and effort. It conveys a sense of possibility and a willingness to find a solution together.

Common error

While "we can work it out" is widely understood, it might sound too informal in certain professional settings. Consider alternatives like "we can resolve this" or "we can come to an agreement" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we can work it out" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating a belief in the ability to resolve a problem or disagreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase conveys optimism and a willingness to find a solution through effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we can work it out" is a very common and grammatically correct expression used to convey optimism and confidence in resolving a problem through collaboration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signals a willingness to find a solution together. While versatile, it leans towards a neutral to informal register, making it suitable for everyday conversations and news reports. For more formal settings, alternatives like "we can resolve this" might be preferable. The phrase frequently appears in contexts related to news and media, reflecting its common usage in discussions about problem-solving and conflict resolution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we can resolve this

Focuses specifically on solving a problem or dispute.

we can find a solution

Emphasizes the act of discovering an answer or method.

we can come to an agreement

Highlights the process of reaching a mutual understanding or compromise.

we can sort this out

Suggests a more casual and straightforward approach to resolving an issue.

we can handle this together

Emphasizes cooperation and shared responsibility in dealing with a challenge.

we can address this issue

Indicates a formal and direct approach to dealing with a specific problem.

we can iron out the details

Implies a meticulous and thorough process of resolving minor discrepancies.

we can reconcile our differences

Focuses on restoring harmony and understanding after a disagreement.

we can find common ground

Highlights the search for shared interests or beliefs to overcome obstacles.

we can bridge the gap

Suggests overcoming a significant divide or obstacle between parties.

FAQs

How can I use "we can work it out" in a sentence?

You can use "we can work it out" to express confidence in finding a solution to a problem through collaboration. For example, "Although we have different opinions, I'm sure "we can work it out"."

What can I say instead of "we can work it out"?

You can use alternatives like "we can resolve this", "we can find a solution", or "we can come to an agreement" depending on the context.

Is "we can work it out" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "we can work it out" leans towards informality. In formal writing, consider more professional alternatives such as "we can resolve the issue" or "we can achieve a mutually agreeable outcome".

What's the difference between "we can work it out" and "we can figure it out"?

"We can work it out" implies a collaborative effort to resolve a problem, whereas "we can figure it out" suggests individual or collective problem-solving through understanding or analysis. The former emphasizes cooperation, while the latter focuses on comprehension.