we surely can

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we surely can" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express confidence or assurance that something is possible or can be done. Example: "If we work together and stay focused, we surely can achieve our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Well, we surely can.

The New York Times

With continued help, we surely can beat that target.

The New York Times - Science

If it resorts to secret courts with secret evidence, we surely can expect no better from other countries.

The New York Times

If we can manage to have nearly every state pass an anti-bullying law and mandate education on the topic, we surely can gather up the same kind of support to end sexual assault and raise awareness.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I went into the locker room and said, 'If that's as good as they can do with us playing that poorly, we surely can play a much better second half.' I just couldn't imagine us playing any worse.

The New York Times - Sports

"There is a refrain that runs through some of those arguments," Mrs. Clinton said, "that we should intervene with force only when we face splendid little wars that we surely can win, preferably by overwhelming force in a relatively short period of time.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

We have terrorists we want to convict; we should, and surely can, do it right.

The New Yorker

If we look carefully, surely we can all find miracles we have been given in life.

Huffington Post

We surely, in these chambers, can do the same.

Huffington Post

Surely we can all accept that this is not what we want to happen in our society.

The Guardian

Surely we can find somebody who is fair and nonpartisan to make sure that our elections are fair as well.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we surely can" to convey a sense of confidence and optimism when addressing a team or group about achieving a shared goal.

Common error

While "we surely can" is appropriate in many contexts, avoid overusing "surely" in very casual conversations. In highly informal settings, simpler alternatives like "we definitely can" might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we surely can" primarily functions as an affirmative statement, expressing confidence or assurance in the ability to perform an action or achieve a goal. Ludwig AI's analysis and examples confirm this usage, demonstrating its role in conveying a strong sense of possibility and capability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we surely can" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express confidence and assurance. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates its primary function is affirmative, serving to encourage and motivate in a neutral-to-formal register. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. While "we surely can" conveys confidence, remember to consider your audience and choose alternatives such as "we definitely can" or "we certainly can" for a more natural fit in very informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we definitely can

Emphasizes certainty and determination.

we certainly can

Highlights a strong sense of conviction and assurance.

we absolutely can

Stresses the complete and unquestionable ability to do something.

we undoubtedly can

Suggests there is no doubt or question about our capability.

we indeed can

Affirms the possibility or ability to achieve something.

we truly can

Emphasizes the sincerity and genuineness of our capability.

we really can

Highlights the actuality and realism of our capability.

we are able to

States the ability to do something in a more formal tone.

it is within our capabilities

Refers to the inherent abilities and potential to achieve something.

we are positioned to

Highlights our favorable position and readiness to achieve something.

FAQs

How to use "we surely can" in a sentence?

You can use "we surely can" to express confidence that a group will be able to accomplish something. For example, "If we work together and stay focused, "we surely can" achieve our goals."

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

You can use alternatives like "we definitely can", "we certainly can", or "we absolutely can" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "we surely can" or "surely we can"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "we surely can" is typically used to emphasize confidence or certainty, while "surely we can" is often used to express hope or a request for confirmation.

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

"We surely can" implies a higher degree of confidence and certainty than "we probably can", which suggests a possibility but not a guarantee.