we could dispense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we could dispense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting the possibility of doing away with something or not using it anymore. Example: "In this situation, we could dispense with the formalities and get straight to the point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

With technology, we could dispense with the offical catalogue.

The Guardian - Opinion

If we trusted statistics over counting, we could dispense with elections and just go with the polls.

The New York Times

We were living together at the time, and we could dispense with the formalities that you have to have in a professional relationship.

The New York Times

"If we could dispense with that half-hour and get down to our other business, we might actually be able to get something done".

The New York Times

This space was so large that we could dispense with packing altogether and just shovel in our belongings, and the dog, too.

The New York Times

Last July, the Boston Globe started using the term, which, Keller says, "made me think, this seems like a relic we could dispense with".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"Through the rope they could dispense favours or dispense justice".

The Guardian

When he attended meetings, they could dispense with note-taking.

The New York Times

So he could dispense with the rhapsodic proclamations and the poison, and return to his studies.

The New Yorker

India, in his view, could dispense with most of its imports but cloth it must have.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This was a cure that government, which issues money and determines its value, could dispense.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for conciseness, "we could dispense" can effectively suggest removing unnecessary steps or elements. For instance, "We could dispense with the lengthy introductions and begin the presentation" conveys a direct approach.

Common error

While grammatically sound, excessive use of "we could dispense" in highly formal writing might sound dismissive. Consider alternatives like "we might omit" or "we may forgo" to maintain a more respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we could dispense" primarily functions as a modal phrase expressing possibility or suggestion. It indicates that there is an option to eliminate or forgo something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is valid for expressing a potential action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we could dispense" is a grammatically sound phrase used to suggest the possibility of omitting or eliminating something, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. While not exceedingly common, it appears in a range of contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, suggesting versatility. When aiming for conciseness or efficiency, "we could dispense" is a smart choice. Bear in mind the formal tone of your writing and consider alternatives like "we might omit" or "we may forgo" for a more formal approach. Examples in Ludwig showcase how this phrase is used to recommend process improvements and eliminate unnecessary elements, which highlights its practicality in professional and academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we might omit

Suggests a possibility of leaving something out or not including it, similar to dispensing with it.

we may forgo

Indicates the option to abstain from or give up something, comparable to dispensing with it.

we can eliminate

Highlights the potential to completely remove or get rid of something, akin to dispensing with it.

we might skip

Implies the option to bypass or leave out something, similar to dispensing with it.

we may waive

Suggests the possibility of relinquishing or giving up a requirement or right, comparable to dispensing with it.

we can abandon

Indicates the option to cease using or supporting something, similar to dispensing with it.

we could disregard

Highlights the potential to ignore or pay no attention to something, akin to dispensing with it.

we might sacrifice

Suggests the possibility of giving up something valuable, which can be related to dispensing with it.

we may cut out

Implies the option to remove or eliminate something, similar to dispensing with it.

we can do without

Indicates the ability to manage or function without something, comparable to dispensing with it.

FAQs

How can I use "we could dispense" in a sentence?

You can use "we could dispense" to suggest omitting or eliminating something. For example, "In order to save time, we could dispense with the detailed report and focus on the key findings".

What's a more formal alternative to "we could dispense"?

For more formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "we might omit", "we may forgo", or "we can eliminate".

Is it appropriate to use "we could dispense" in academic writing?

Yes, "we could dispense" is suitable for academic writing, particularly when suggesting the removal of unnecessary elements in a process or argument. However, consider the specific tone required by the publication.

What is the difference between "we could dispense" and "we can skip"?

"We could dispense" often implies a more deliberate and justified removal, while "we can skip" simply suggests bypassing something, potentially without a strong reason. The former suggests a conscious decision to omit, whereas the latter is a suggestion to bypass.