we could do that

USAGE SUMMARY

"we could do that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting a possible course of action in the future. For example, "If we need to send out a survey, we could do that quickly and easily."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I don't know that we could do that," Yellen says.

The Guardian - Business

That was the last time we could do that".

The New York Times - Sports

"There was nothing we could do," that witness said.

The New York Times

"There's no way we could do that on our own".

The Guardian

When we could do that depends upon the economy.

The Guardian

"We could do that because we are so well integrated".

The New York Times

So I mean we could do that but let's not worry about that.

Yale University

"We realized we could do that for them with 2,000 servers," he said.

The New York Times

If we could do that, a lot of pundits would be out of business.

The New York Times

We could do that,' perpetually feeding you with ideas," she said.

The New Yorker

"We could do that," he said.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we could do that" to express willingness to consider a suggestion or offer assistance, but follow up with specific details to demonstrate commitment.

Common error

Avoid using "we could do that" as a vague agreement without any intention of following through. It can be perceived as insincere. Instead, provide context or detail about how you plan to approach the task.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we could do that" primarily functions as an expression of possibility or a tentative agreement. It indicates that a proposed action is feasible or worth considering. Ludwig AI confirms the appropriateness of this phrase in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we could do that" is a versatile phrase used to express possibility or tentative agreement, primarily found in news, academic, and scientific contexts. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. While generally neutral, its formality should be adjusted based on the specific context. To avoid misinterpretations, ensure clarity by elaborating on the proposed action, rather than leaving it as a vague statement. Consider alternatives like "that's an option for us" for a more formal tone. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively use "we could do that" in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's an option for us

Focuses on the availability of a choice, instead of the ability to perform it.

that's something we can consider

Emphasizes the act of deliberation and evaluation before action.

we have the capacity for that

Highlights the availability of resources to complete the action.

we are able to implement that

Focuses on the active process of putting a plan into action.

that is feasible for us

Stresses the practicality and viability of the action.

we can make that happen

Highlights a proactive approach and determination to achieve a result.

we are equipped to handle that

Focuses on readiness and the possession of necessary skills or equipment.

that falls within our capabilities

Emphasizes that a task is something that can easily be dealt with because it aligns with the skills present.

we're in a position to do that

Indicates having the opportunity to carry out the action.

we're capable of doing that

Emphasizes the inherent ability to perform an action.

FAQs

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

Use "we could do that" to express a possibility or suggestion. For example, "If resources become available, "we could do that" to improve efficiency."

What is a more formal way to say "we could do that"?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "that's an option for us" or "that is feasible for us" to convey a similar meaning with added professionalism.

When is it appropriate to use "we could do that"?

"We could do that" is appropriate when brainstorming solutions, responding positively to a suggestion, or indicating willingness to take on a task.

What's the difference between "we could do that" and "we can do that"?

"We could do that" expresses a possibility or suggestion, while "we can do that" implies a definite ability or plan. "We can do that" suggests a stronger commitment than "we could do that".