we probably should

USAGE SUMMARY

"we probably should" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are suggesting an idea that you both may consider doing in the future. For example, "We probably should discuss our plans for the summer soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And we probably should.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We probably should have.

The Guardian

I think we probably should.

The Guardian

"We probably should do it," he murmured.

The New York Times - Books

We probably should stop eating them, too.

The Washington Post

We probably should have seen it coming.

The Guardian - Business

"Realistically, we probably should have won two out of three.

The New York Times - Sports

Saying that, we probably should have gone up last season.

The Guardian - Sport

"We probably should do that anyway," Bowden said.

The New York Times - Sports

Here are 7 reasons why we probably should.

The Washington Post

But we probably should have seen it coming.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we probably should" to suggest a course of action with a degree of likelihood, but without absolute certainty. It's ideal for collaborative decision-making.

Common error

Avoid using "we probably should" when the context already implies uncertainty or possibility. Overusing "probably" can make your writing sound hesitant or redundant. Choose stronger alternatives when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we probably should" functions as a modal construction expressing a suggestion or recommendation with a degree of uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct for proposing a future action. It's employed to soften the directive force of a suggestion, implying consideration of other options.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we probably should" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to express a tentative suggestion or recommendation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for proposing a future action. Its frequency across reputable sources like The New York Times, The Guardian and BBC highlights its common usage in news, business, and even academic contexts. When using the phrase, remember that it indicates a degree of uncertainty, so be mindful of contexts where stronger assertions are necessary. Consider alternatives like "we ought to" or "we should consider" depending on the level of formality and emphasis desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perhaps we should

This alternative adds a slight degree of uncertainty to the suggestion.

maybe we should

This alternative is a more casual and less assertive way of making a suggestion.

we ought to

This alternative is a more formal way of expressing a moral obligation or duty.

we'd better

This alternative implies a sense of urgency or potential negative consequences if the action is not taken.

we could

This alternative is a more tentative way of suggesting a possibility.

we should consider

This alternative emphasizes the act of thinking about or evaluating a course of action.

we may want to

This alternative indicates a suggestion based on desire or preference.

it might be best if we

This alternative focuses on the potential benefits of the suggested action.

it's recommended that we

This alternative suggests following a recommendation, typically from an authority or expert.

it would be advisable for us to

This alternative is a very formal and cautious way of giving advice.

FAQs

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

"We probably should" is used to make a suggestion or express a recommendation with a moderate level of certainty. For instance, "We probably should discuss this further" suggests a discussion is advisable but not mandatory.

What are some alternatives to "we probably should"?

Alternatives include "we ought to", "we should consider", or "perhaps we should", which offer varying degrees of formality and emphasis.

Is "we probably should" grammatically correct?

Yes, "we probably should" is grammatically sound. The word 'probably' correctly modifies the modal verb 'should', indicating a degree of likelihood or possibility.

What is the difference between "we probably should" and "we definitely should"?

"We probably should" suggests a recommendation with less certainty, while "we definitely should" implies a stronger conviction and a higher level of importance. Using the first option conveys caution and allows for other alternatives, unlike when using the latter.