we could see

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we could see" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where visibility or perception is possible, often in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "As we climbed the hill, we could see the entire valley spread out before us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We could see why.

The New York Times - Sports

We could see it!

Independent

We could see them".

The New Yorker

We could see corpses.

The New York Times

"We could see Lake Michigan.

The New York Times - Tech

I fear we could see another tragedy.

Independent

We could see the baby's head.

The New Yorker

We could see the signs.

The New York Times

We could see him shortly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We could see its future".

The New York Times

That much we could see.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we could see" to describe direct observations or logical deductions based on available evidence. It adds a personal or collective viewpoint to the statement.

Common error

While grammatically sound, excessively using "we could see" in formal reports can sound less objective. Opt for stronger, more direct statements when presenting facts or conclusions to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we could see" functions as a modal phrase, indicating the ability or possibility of observation. It expresses that the speakers or writers had the capacity to perceive something, as supported by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we could see" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey observation, understanding, or anticipation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While its neutral tone makes it suitable for most situations, remember to consider more formal alternatives in professional writing to maintain objectivity. By understanding its nuances and applying the provided best practices, you can effectively use "we could see" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were able to observe

Replaces the modal verb with a more direct statement of ability.

we observed

A more direct and concise way of stating that something was seen.

we managed to perceive

Indicates a successful effort to notice something.

we noticed

Emphasizes the act of becoming aware of something.

we realized

Highlights the understanding or comprehension gained from observation.

we anticipated

Focuses on foreseeing a future event based on current evidence.

we understood

Focuses on comprehension rather than just visual perception.

we envisioned

Implies a mental image or prediction of something.

it was apparent to us

Shifts the focus to the clarity of the observation rather than the act of seeing.

we foresaw

Specifically indicates predicting a future event.

FAQs

What does "we could see" mean?

The phrase "we could see" indicates the ability to observe, understand, or predict something based on the available information or context. It suggests a degree of certainty in what is being perceived or anticipated.

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

You can use "we could see" to describe a direct observation (e.g., "We could see the mountains in the distance"), or to indicate a logical conclusion (e.g., "We could see that the project was failing").

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

Alternatives include "we observed", "we noticed", or "it was apparent to us", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "we could see" formal or informal?

"We could see" is generally considered neutral in tone and appropriate for most contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider using more objective alternatives like "it was evident" or "it was clear" to maintain a professional distance.