we probably can

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we probably can" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express a possibility or likelihood of being able to do something. Example: "We probably can finish the project on time if we work together efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

We probably can.

The Guardian

"And in that respect, I think there are things we probably can, and I will, focus on".

The New York Times

What we probably can assume is that Millennials in regions with lower projected retirement ages (APAC) feel more confident about their financial ability to do so.

Harvard Business Review

Every now and then, the timing of a news event is precise enough that we probably can attribute a change in approval ratings to it.

The New York Times

But the one eventuality we probably can take off the table is the notion that Mr. Romney would emerge from his convention with unmistakable momentum, as Ronald Reagan did in 1980 or Bill Clinton did in 1992.

The New York Times

Without delving into whether certain pre-dispositions cause the failure to shed, or whether the failure to shed create the pre-dispositions to fresh cow problems, we probably can agree that these cows are generally going to be more challenged than those who have their warm weather hair coats.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Prof. March: As you well know, most of the results that we observe probably can be attributed to luck.

Journal of Organization Design

"We probably now can face the Hull game with more relief," said Rangel.

BBC

"We figured we can probably introduce it later, and that's the approach we took".

Wikipedia

"If we lose, we can probably forget about the play-offs.

The Guardian - Sport

With an ex-management consultant's preciseness, he concludes: "We estimate we can probably be 3-53-5% the overall solution".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we probably can" to express a realistic assessment of your group's ability to achieve something, acknowledging a degree of uncertainty. It sets a balanced expectation.

Common error

Avoid using "we probably can" when you are absolutely certain of your ability. Use stronger phrases like "we definitely can" or "we will" in such cases to project confidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we probably can" functions as an epistemic modal, indicating the speaker's assessment of the likelihood or possibility of the subject (we) being able to perform an action. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is indeed correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we probably can" is a versatile phrase used to express a qualified ability or possibility. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It's appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academia, reflecting a neutral register. While conveying optimism, it acknowledges uncertainty, making it suitable for realistic assessments. To express stronger certainty, consider alternatives like "we definitely can". Remember to avoid overstating your confidence when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we most likely can

Replaces "probably" with a synonym that conveys a similar degree of likelihood.

it's likely that we can

Restructures the sentence to emphasize the likelihood of the possibility.

we are likely able to

Changes "can" to "are able to", maintaining a similar meaning.

chances are we can

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate a good possibility.

we might be able to

Substitutes "probably" with "might", indicating a possibility.

it is probable that we can

Uses a more formal tone to express a similar likelihood.

we could potentially

Replaces "probably can" with "could potentially", indicating a chance.

it's quite possible we can

Emphasizes the possibility with the adverb "quite".

we may well be able to

Expresses a reasonable expectation of ability.

we stand a good chance of being able to

Uses a longer, more emphatic phrase to indicate a favorable possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "we probably can" in a sentence?

The phrase "we probably can" is used to express a likely, but not certain, ability to do something. For example, "We probably can finish the project on time if we all collaborate effectively."

What can I say instead of "we probably can"?

You can use alternatives like "we most likely can", "it's likely that we can", or "we might be able to" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "we probably can" or "we can probably"?

Both "we probably can" and "we can probably" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or the rhythm of the sentence.

What's the difference between "we probably can" and "we definitely can"?

The phrase "we probably can" indicates a likelihood or possibility, while "we definitely can" expresses a stronger sense of certainty and assurance.