we should be able to

USAGE SUMMARY

"we should be able to" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It indicates a suggestion or recommendation that we have the ability or capability to do something. Example: "In order to solve this problem, we should be able to work together as a team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

We should be able to handle this.

The New Yorker

We should be able to manage it.

The New York Times

"We should be able to arrange it".

The Economist

We should be able to use it.

The Guardian - Arts

We should be able to survive.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We should be able to do it".

The New York Times

"We should be able to cover a punt," Fassel said.

The New York Times - Sports

We should be able to coexist with one another".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We should be able to do it quite quickly.

The Guardian

We should be able to bridge existing divergences of views.

The Guardian - Business

"Sometimes we think we should be able to know everything.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we should be able to" to express confidence in achieving a goal, but avoid overusing it to create unrealistic expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "we should be able to" when the outcome is highly uncertain. Instead, use phrases like "we hope to be able to" or "we aim to be able to" to convey a more realistic assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we should be able to" functions as a modal phrase expressing a degree of expectation, possibility, or capability. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates a suggestion that we have the ability to do something. The examples show its use in making promises or predicting outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we should be able to" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a reasonable expectation or confidence in achieving a goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests an ability or capability to perform an action. Predominantly found in News & Media, its neutral register allows for broad application. While expressing assurance, it's crucial to avoid overstating certainty and consider alternative phrases like "we are likely to" or "we hope to" when the outcome is less certain. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "we should be able to" to convey confidence while maintaining realistic expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we ought to be capable of

Replaces "should" with "ought to" and "able" with "capable", implying a moral obligation alongside the ability.

we are likely to be able to

Introduces a degree of probability, suggesting that success is not guaranteed but reasonably expected.

we are expected to be able to

Shifts the emphasis to expectation rather than suggestion, implying an external pressure or standard.

we have the capacity to

Focuses on the inherent ability or potential to do something.

we can reasonably expect to

Combines ability with a reasonable expectation of a particular outcome.

we are in a position to

Highlights the favorable circumstances or resources that enable action.

it is within our capabilities to

Emphasizes the inherent limitations or scope of our abilities.

we are equipped to

Suggests having the necessary tools, knowledge, or resources for a task.

we are empowered to

Implies that authority or permission has been granted to act.

we are authorized to

Indicates formal approval or permission to do something.

FAQs

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

Use "we should be able to" to express a reasonable expectation or confidence in achieving something. For example, "If we follow these steps, "we should be able to" complete the project on time".

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

You can use alternatives like "we are likely to", "we ought to", or "we are expected to" depending on the context.

Is "we should be able to" the same as "we can"?

While similar, "we can" generally indicates a present ability, whereas "we should be able to" suggests a future expectation based on current conditions or plans.

When is it inappropriate to use "we should be able to"?

Avoid using "we should be able to" when the outcome is highly uncertain or depends on factors beyond your control. In such cases, it's better to use more cautious language.