we would like to know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we would like to know" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing interest in obtaining additional information. For example, "We would like to know how you would suggest we proceed with this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We would like to know".

The Guardian - Film

And we would like to know how that happened.

University of California, Berkeley

We would like to know how that happened.

University of California, Berkeley

We would like to know what readers think.

The New York Times

Which is all what we would like to know.

The New Yorker

We would like to know how scientists calculate a planet's mass.

Cornell University

"We would like to know answers, and sometimes there aren't any," he added.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We would like to know, when did people start thinking about the dead?

University of California, Berkeley

What we would like to know is, being married, do you have that same desire?

The New Yorker

"Other times we would like to know why they didn't prosecute".

Independent

For we would like to know in the name of God.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we would like to know" in formal writing, ensure that the question is clear, concise, and directly relevant to the topic at hand. Avoid ambiguity and state your inquiry with precision.

Common error

While acceptable in most situations, excessively using "we would like to know" in informal settings can sound overly formal or stiff. Consider using more casual alternatives like "we want to know" or "we're wondering" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we would like to know" functions as a polite inquiry or a formal request for information. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for expressing interest in obtaining additional information, particularly in professional or academic contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

24%

News & Media

44%

Academia

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we would like to know" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to politely request information across various contexts. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and broad applicability. While it leans towards formality, it remains suitable for most professional and academic environments. When choosing an alternative, consider the specific context and desired level of formality, as options like "we wish to know" or "we'd like to know" offer subtle variations in tone. Remembering these nuances helps ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we'd like to know

Uses the contracted form "we'd", making the phrase slightly more informal.

we would like to know how

Adds 'how', focusing the request on understanding the method or process behind something.

we would like to find out

Substitutes "know" with "find out", suggesting a process of investigation or discovery is needed.

we would like to ascertain

Changes the verb to 'ascertain', implying a more formal and precise desire to confirm something.

we wish to know

Substitutes "would like" with "wish", conveying a slightly more polite or formal tone.

we would like to discover

Substitutes 'know' with 'discover', suggesting an interest in finding out something new or previously unknown.

we would like to acknowledge

Replaces 'know' with 'acknowledge', indicating a desire to recognize or accept something, often formally.

we desire to know

Replaces the more conversational "we would like" with the more formal "we desire".

we are anxious to know

Replaces "would like" with "are anxious", highlighting a sense of urgency or concern.

we would have wished to know

Expresses a past desire to know something, implying regret or a missed opportunity.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "we would like to know"?

You can use alternatives like "we would like to ascertain", "we would like to discover", or "we wish to know" depending on the context.

How do I use "we would like to know" in a sentence?

Begin with a polite introduction, then clearly state what information you are seeking. For example, "After reviewing the proposal, we would like to know the timeline for implementation."

Is "we'd like to know" or "we would like to know" more appropriate?

"We'd like to know" is a contraction of "we would like to know". The contracted form is generally more informal, while the full form is slightly more formal. Both are grammatically correct and widely accepted.

When should I avoid using "we would like to know"?

Avoid using "we would like to know" in very informal conversations or situations where a more direct and concise question would be more appropriate. For instance, in a casual setting, "What's the plan?" is often better than "We would like to know what the plan is."