we could be that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we could be that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are suggesting a possibility or potential role or identity for a group or individuals. Example: "If we work together and support each other, we could be that change the community needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"We could be that mistake!" Seth shouts, hopefully.

The New Yorker

We wish that we could be that person, that that person could be us.

The Guardian

"We could be that mistake!" insists Seth, his voice shrill with hope and panic.

The New York Times

Still, Mr. Korb was not shy about his reasons for staying at the hostel: "It was incredible that we could be that close to where everything was happening for that price," he said.

The New York Times

"The kind of community we live in, they just don't believe we could be that smart," said Ms. Davis, now a student at the public Garrett Academy of Technology, peering from a doorway in the old low-rise housing project behind the school.

The New York Times

("You know when women say 'Oh man I got so shitfaced last night and I should never have made it with that guy'? Well, that could be us! We could be that mistake!") Things go horrifically wrong when Fogell is picked up while trying to buy booze by two incompetent cops, played by Bill Hader and Rogen himself.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"I always wish we [the UN] could be that bit quicker and more mobile.

The Guardian

"The idea that we're neighbours and family and that we could be anybody – that was very useful.

Vice

There's always something else we could be doing that's more pleasurable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We knew we could be competitive; that's what we came for.

The New York Times - Sports

We could be like that.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we could be that", ensure the context clearly defines what "that" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the message.

Common error

Avoid using "we could be that" without a clear antecedent for "that". Ensure the sentence provides enough context so the reader understands the intended meaning. Rephrase the sentence to include the specific subject, for example, instead of "we could be that", try "we could be the solution."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we could be that" functions as a modal phrase, expressing a possibility or potential. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, indicating it is acceptable in standard English. The modal verb 'could' indicates a conditional or possible state.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Film

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we could be that" is a grammatically correct and usable modal phrase that expresses a potential or possibility. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's important to ensure clarity by providing sufficient context for "that". The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, and film contexts, and holds a neutral register. Alternatives like "we might be that" or "we can be that" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we might be that

Replaces "could" with "might", indicating a slightly lower degree of possibility.

we can be that

Substitutes "could" with "can", suggesting a greater sense of ability or capability.

we may be that

Replaces "could" with "may", indicating a formal tone and possibility.

we have the potential to be that

Expands the phrase to explicitly mention "potential", adding emphasis.

it's possible we are that

Transforms the sentence structure to highlight the possibility from an external perspective.

we are able to be that

Uses "able" instead of "could", focusing on the capability to achieve a certain state.

we are in a position to be that

Emphasizes the current situation enables the possibility.

we are likely to be that

Replaces 'could' with 'likely', suggesting a higher probability.

we are poised to be that

Indicates readiness and anticipation of becoming "that".

it is within the realm of possibility that we are that

Presents the idea as a conceptual possibility, adding a layer of abstraction.

FAQs

How can I use "we could be that" in a sentence?

Use "we could be that" to suggest a potential identity, role, or outcome for a group. For example, "If we innovate, "we could be that" company that changes the world".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "we could be that"?

Alternatives include "we might be that", "we can be that", or "we may be that", depending on the context and the level of certainty you want to convey.

Is "we could be that" formal or informal?

"We could be that" is generally considered neutral in tone. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal settings might benefit from more precise language.

How to avoid ambiguity when using the phrase "we could be that"?

To avoid ambiguity, ensure the context makes it clear what "that" refers to. You can also rephrase the sentence to be more explicit, for instance, instead of ""we could be that"", try "we could be the leaders in this field".