when can we

USAGE SUMMARY

"when can we" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it anytime you need to ask someone a question about when something can be done or happens. Example: When can we go to the party?.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

When can we start?".

The Economist

When can we go home?

The New Yorker

When can we expect that?

The New York Times

"When can we stop?" he would ask.

The New York Times - Travel

When can we expect the book?

The New Yorker

When can we see it?

The Guardian

When can we move it?

The New York Times - Arts

When can we see this new Napster?

The New York Times - Magazine

When can we expect to see applications?

The Guardian

When can we take them outside?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

When can we meet?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To sound more polite in formal scenarios, preface "when can we" with a phrase like "Could you please advise" or "I was wondering".

Common error

Avoid using "when can we" in situations where the "we" is unclear or undefined. Be specific about who is included in "we" to prevent confusion or misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when can we" functions as an interrogative clause, used to solicit information about the timing or possibility of a future event or action. Ludwig examples show its versatility in various contexts, from personal inquiries to professional scheduling.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "when can we" is a versatile and grammatically sound interrogative clause used to inquire about the timing or feasibility of future actions or events. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Academia. While suitable for a variety of contexts, it can be made more formal by adding a polite introduction. When using the phrase, be sure to ensure the meaning of the word "we" is clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could you tell me when we can

Introduces a polite request for information about timing.

what is the earliest we can

Focuses on the earliest possible time, adding a sense of urgency or limitation.

can you specify when we are going to

Requests a specific confirmation regarding the scheduled time.

by when will we be able to

Emphasizes a deadline or the latest possible time.

at what time are we able to

More formal phrasing, specifying a precise time rather than a general period.

what's the estimated timeframe for us to

Asks for an estimated period instead of a specific date or time.

what's a good time for us to

Suggests a collaborative approach to finding a suitable time.

when is it feasible for us to

Focuses on the practicality and feasibility of scheduling something.

what date works for us to

Shifts the focus to finding a mutually convenient date.

is there a specific date when we might

Inquires about a potential date while acknowledging uncertainty.

FAQs

How do I use "when can we" in a sentence?

"When can we" is used to ask about the timing of an event or action. For example, "When can we expect the results?" or "When can we schedule the next meeting?"

What's a more formal way to ask "when can we"?

You can use phrases like "Could you please advise "when we can"...?" or "I would like to know "when we are able to"..." for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "when can we" and "when should we"?

"When can we" inquires about possibility or permission, whereas "when should we" inquires about the most appropriate or advisable time. For instance, "When can we leave?" versus "When should we leave to avoid traffic?"

Are there alternatives to "when can we" that imply more urgency?

Yes, you could use phrases like "How soon can we...?" or "What's the earliest we can...?" to convey a sense of urgency. Alternatively, you might specify conditions, as in: "If we finish this, "when can we" expect to start the next task?"