we could entertain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we could entertain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting the possibility of considering or discussing an idea or option. Example: "During the meeting, we could entertain the idea of expanding our services to new markets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

We could entertain the illusion that the average Russian or Cuban or Iraqi secretly admired us.

The New Yorker

"We really wanted a big space so we could entertain," Dr. Danik said.

The New York Times

Yet, like Bergman, Altman was uninterested in constructing a Freudian puzzle that we could entertain ourselves by solving.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The essential thing was to win it; we showed that we could entertain in the other four matches," said France's coach, Marc Lièvremont.

The New York Times - Sports

"We could entertain that it come back for occasional visits to Queens," she said, "depending on the condition of the document and whether Queens could provide strict security and the proper conservation requirements".

The New York Times

After being there for 10 days and not really having anything to report, it was a case of how we could entertain our American audience, so they would film me doing British things like eating fish and chips, knitting and reading Charles Dickens.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"The thought that he could have a place that was his place, in terms of where he lived, and he could entertain faculty, give seminars, we just thought that would enhance his leadership".

The New York Times

We all have words inside of us -- words that could change the world, words that could entertain and delight, words that could teach and improve -- but these words can only unleash their power when shared.

Huffington Post

I could entertain thoughts longer than 140 words.

The New Yorker

"I could entertain what I would say in that situation.

The Guardian - Film

Guest fees should be modest, so I could entertain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we could entertain" when suggesting a possibility or option that deserves consideration, especially in discussions or planning scenarios. It conveys openness without committing to a specific course of action.

Common error

While appropriate in many settings, "we could entertain" might sound too informal in highly formal documents or presentations. Opt for alternatives like "we should consider" or "we may contemplate" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we could entertain" functions as a means to introduce a suggestion, proposal, or idea for consideration. It expresses a level of openness without necessarily committing to action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we could entertain" serves as a polite and collaborative way to introduce an idea or possibility for consideration. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, with a preference for news and media. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of the level of formality required by the situation, opting for alternatives when a more professional tone is necessary. The phrase suggests an openness to discussion without committing to a definitive course of action. Remember to avoid overuse in formal settings and tailor your language to suit your audience and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we might consider

Implies a slightly weaker level of commitment to the idea of entertaining something, suggesting a more tentative consideration.

we may contemplate

Suggests a more formal and thoughtful consideration than "we could entertain".

we can explore

Focuses on the action of investigating or examining something, rather than simply considering it.

we would consider

Expresses a hypothetical or conditional willingness to entertain something, often implying a dependence on certain factors.

we are open to

Indicates a willingness to consider suggestions or possibilities, emphasizing receptiveness.

we are amenable to

Suggests a willingness to agree or comply with something, implying a cooperative attitude.

we will give thought to

Emphasizes the act of carefully considering something, suggesting a more deliberate approach.

we shall deliberate on

Implies a formal and thorough discussion or consideration of something.

we propose to examine

Suggests a structured and analytical approach to considering something.

we intend to review

Indicates a plan to formally assess or evaluate something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "we could entertain" is used to suggest considering a specific idea or possibility. For example: "We "could entertain" the possibility of a merger".

What are some alternatives to "we could entertain"?

Alternatives include "we might consider", "we can explore", or "we may contemplate", depending on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "we could entertain" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "we could entertain" may be perceived as less formal than options like "we should consider" or "we may contemplate". Choose the alternative that best suits the context and audience.

What is the difference between "we could entertain" and "we will consider"?

"We could entertain" suggests an openness to discussing or exploring an idea, while "we will consider" implies a more definite commitment to evaluating the idea further.