we could envisage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we could envisage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential scenarios, ideas, or visions for the future. Example: "In the coming years, we could envisage a world where renewable energy sources dominate the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"If Putin continues doing what he is doing we could envisage cancelling the sales," Fabius told TF1 television on Tuesday.

The Guardian

From this pilot study we could envisage that the chimeric DNA vaccine construct may offer an attractive strategy in controlling co-infection of leishmaniasis and tuberculosis and have important implication in future vaccine design.

Vaccine

Kershaw's interactions with microcar enthusiasts were sweet and funny, with him dropping in details so we could envisage the people and cars ("furnished in a luxurious chocolate milkshake colour"), and them full of pithy anecdotes about travelling in the tiny vehicles ("It's like being dragged along the road on your arse on a shovel").

The Guardian - TV & Radio

For slightly larger differences, we could envisage the possibility of reducing the length of the longest limb or slow its growth.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

If they succeed then perhaps we could envisage Chalmers' theory as integrated into physics and him as a physicalist after all.

SEP

Dr Nadine Rouphael, from Emory University, said: "We could envisage vaccination at home, in the workplace or even via mail distribution". The patch can be thrown in the bin after it is used because the microneedles dissolve away.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

We therefore could envisage that the mean expression of the photoreceptor gene signature in a given tumor was determined by the ratio of differentiated cells and undifferentiated cells.

EBioMedicine

"I could envisage that it might take time.

The Guardian

He said in his faraway youth he could envisage retiring at 27.

The Guardian - Sport

I could envisage him being offered a Guardian column and a spot on Channel Four.

The Guardian

But none said they could envisage the way in which the regime would fall.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "we can imagine" or "we might anticipate" if you want to adjust the emphasis or formality of your writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "we could envisage" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "we can see" or "we can imagine" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we could envisage" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express the possibility or potential of imagining or foreseeing a certain scenario. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a valid and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we could envisage" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the ability to imagine or foresee a potential future scenario. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in science and news media, where careful consideration of possibilities is essential. While fairly common, remember that more casual alternatives may be more suitable in informal settings. When using "we could envisage", you convey a sense of thoughtful consideration and possibility, making it a valuable tool for expressing potential outcomes based on current understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we can imagine

Replaces 'could envisage' with 'can imagine', focusing on the act of imagining rather than foreseeing a possibility.

we can envision

Replaces 'envisage' with 'envision', a synonym that also means to imagine or conceive of something.

we might anticipate

Substitutes 'could envisage' with 'might anticipate', emphasizing the expectation of something happening.

we can foresee

Replaces 'could envisage' with 'can foresee', highlighting the ability to predict or see something in the future.

we could anticipate

Similar to "we might anticipate" but uses 'could', suggesting a potential but not definite anticipation.

we might consider

Substitutes 'could envisage' with 'might consider', focusing on thoughtful evaluation of a possibility.

we can picture

Replaces 'could envisage' with 'can picture', highlighting the ability to visualize a future scenario.

we may anticipate

Changes 'could' to 'may', indicating a slightly weaker degree of possibility regarding the anticipation.

we may contemplate

Swaps 'could envisage' with 'may contemplate', focusing on the act of considering something deeply.

we can speculate

Substitutes 'could envisage' with 'can speculate', highlighting the act of forming a theory or conjecture about something.

FAQs

What does "we could envisage" mean?

The phrase "we could envisage" means that we can imagine or foresee something; it suggests a potential future scenario or possibility.

How to use "we could envisage" in a sentence?

You can use "we could envisage" to introduce a possible outcome or development based on current trends or conditions. For example, "If current trends continue, "we could envisage" a significant shift in market share".

What can I say instead of "we could envisage"?

You can use alternatives like "we can imagine", "we might anticipate", or "we can foresee" depending on the context.

Is "we could envisage" formal or informal?

"We could envisage" leans towards a more formal register. In informal contexts, consider using simpler phrases like "we can see" or "we can imagine".