we may be able to

USAGE SUMMARY

"we may be able to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is possible. For example, "We may be able to find an answer to this problem if we work together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We may be able to eradicate Tim in our lifetimes".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I think we may be able to help".

The New Yorker

"We may be able to save remnant populations.

The New York Times

Soon, we may be able to use it to prevent the onset of Alzheimer's.

The New York Times

We may be able to get you a little more therapy".

The New York Times - Health

But potentially, come February or March, we may be able to make a move.

The New York Times

Then, as the crew struggled into parachutes, he thought: "We may be able to ditch.

The New York Times

We are in the process of considering what we may be able to do.

The Guardian

"With the fuel tax and other efficiencies, we may be able to limit it to double".

The Guardian - Travel

In two years we may be able to accomplish as much by sticking our the tongue.

The New Yorker

We may lose some offense, but we may be able to replace a lot of it.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you are uncertain about a future event, using "we may be able to" is appropriate, but ensure that the context provides a clear indication of what conditions would enable the possibility. For instance, "If we secure additional funding, we may be able to expand the project".

Common error

Avoid using "we may be able to" when you are highly confident in achieving a result. In such cases, a more definitive statement, such as "we will be able to", is more appropriate to convey certainty and confidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we may be able to" functions as a modal expression of possibility or potential. It indicates that a future action or outcome is not guaranteed but is within the realm of possibility. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we may be able to" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to express possibility or potential. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overstating certainty by using more definitive language like "we will be able to" when appropriate. Understanding its function and communicative purpose allows for more precise and effective communication. The phrase strikes a balance between optimism and caution, making it suitable for many situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we might be able to

Replaces 'may' with 'might', suggesting a slightly lower probability.

we could be able to

Substitutes 'may' with 'could', indicating a conditional possibility.

we can potentially

Replaces the entire phrase with a more concise expression of potential.

it is possible for us to

Offers a more formal and explicit way to express the possibility.

we have the potential to

Shifts the focus to the inherent capability to achieve something.

we are likely to be able to

Indicates a higher degree of probability than "we may be able to".

we stand a chance of being able to

Suggests a hopeful but uncertain possibility.

we are in a position to

Highlights the current circumstances that enable a potential action.

circumstances might allow us to

Focuses on external conditions enabling a future action.

it's within the realm of possibility that we

Emphasizes the theoretical possibility, even if remote.

FAQs

How can I use "we may be able to" in a sentence?

Use "we may be able to" when indicating a possibility or potential action, such as, "With this new technology, "we may be able to" reduce emissions." It implies that the outcome is not guaranteed but is within the realm of possibility.

What are some alternatives to "we may be able to"?

Alternatives include "we might be able to", "we could be able to", or "it is possible for us to", depending on the degree of certainty you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "we may can" instead of "we may be able to"?

No, "we may can" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "we may be able to" because "can" is already a modal verb expressing ability; using "may" with "can" creates redundancy.

What's the difference between "we may be able to" and "we will be able to"?

"We may be able to" indicates a possibility or potential, whereas "we will be able to" expresses a higher degree of certainty. Use "we will be able to" when you are confident in the outcome.