we would be able to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we would be able to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a potential ability or capability in the future, often in conditional statements. Example: "If we receive the necessary funding, we would be able to expand our operations significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We would be able to float.

The Guardian

"We would be able to get to the universities easily".

The New York Times

"We would be able to negotiate from a stronger position".

The Guardian

"We would be able to create more jobs".

The New York Times

Think of the amount of human suffering that we would be able to avoid".

The New York Times - Magazine

"We were hoping that we would be able to sell about 10,000," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

We would be able to do what we wanted and achieve what we aspired to.

The Guardian

Then we would be able to find out once and for all if there is leakage.

The New York Times

We would be able to become a nice country just like other countries".

The New York Times

Whereas I don't think we would be able to replace Leon.

The Guardian - Sport

"For one thing he wasnt sure we would be able to afford it".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we would be able to" to express a conditional ability or potential in the future. For example, "If we invest in new technology, "we would be able to" increase production efficiency."

Common error

Avoid using "we would be able to" in situations where a direct statement of ability or action is more appropriate. Overusing conditional phrasing can make your writing sound hesitant or uncertain. If you are certain of your ability, consider using "we can" or "we will".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we would be able to" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a conditional ability or potential capability. It typically appears within a larger sentence, outlining what could be achieved under specific circumstances. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its versatile use in expressing possibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we would be able to" is a versatile expression used to convey conditional ability or future potential. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and very common, particularly in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While highly useful for expressing possibilities, it's important to avoid overuse and consider more direct alternatives like "we can" when appropriate. Remember, mastering the nuances of such phrases can significantly enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we could

Expresses a similar ability or possibility, often interchangeable in simpler contexts.

we would have the capacity to

More formal and emphasizes the inherent capability to perform an action.

we would be in a position to

Highlights the situational readiness or opportunity to do something.

we would be equipped to

Focuses on having the necessary resources or preparation for an action.

we will be capable of

Shifts the focus to a future capability, often with a sense of confidence.

we would be empowered to

Highlights the authority or permission granted to perform an action.

we would be enabled to

Indicates that something has made it possible for us to do something.

we are going to be able to

More colloquial and emphasizes the imminent ability to do something.

we are apt to be able to

Suggests a natural tendency or likelihood of being able to do something.

we stand to be able to

Indicates that something is likely to result in us being able to do something.

FAQs

What does "we would be able to" mean?

The phrase "we would be able to" expresses a potential ability or capability in a hypothetical or future scenario. It suggests that under certain conditions, a group or entity would have the capacity to perform a specific action.

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

You can use "we would be able to" to indicate a future possibility dependent on a condition. For example, "If we secure the contract, "we would be able to" expand our team." It's useful for projecting future capabilities or possibilities.

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

You can use alternatives like "we could", "we will be capable of", or "we would be in a position to" depending on the context. Each carries a slightly different nuance of possibility or ability.

Is "we would be able to" more formal than "we can"?

Yes, "we would be able to" is generally considered more formal than "we can". While "we can" directly states an ability, "we would be able to" introduces a conditional or hypothetical element, making it suitable for more formal or tentative situations.