when we could

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when we could" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a time in the past when something was possible or allowed. Example: "I often think about the adventures we had when we could travel freely without restrictions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We played when we could.

The New York Times

Finally I asked when we could meet.

The New York Times

When we could be what?

The Guardian - Opinion

We would talk frequently and exchange information when we could.

The New York Times

When we could do that depends upon the economy.

The Guardian

"We're saving dimes when we could be saving dollars".

The New York Times

We sometimes fly to Tennessee when we could drive.

The New York Times

If we're unlucky, it's a century when we could foreclose all those options.

Harvard University

Outlook was pretty demanding, stipulating where and when we could connect.

The Washington Post

"We have arrested Mladic when we could, when we could reach him, and when we were sure we were following the right trail," he said.

The Guardian

We were sailing for 20 minutes when we could hear the engine was having problems.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when we could" to clearly indicate a past opportunity or ability that is no longer available or relevant. For example: "I remember "when we could buy a single" for any song we heard on the radio."

Common error

Avoid using "when we could" if the possibility or ability still exists. Use "when we can" instead to refer to present or future opportunities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when we could" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying a main clause by specifying the time frame during which an action or state was possible. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly connects the past condition with the present.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "when we could" is a grammatically sound and frequently used relative clause that refers to a past ability or opportunity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's important to use it to contrast a previous state with the current situation, often carrying a tone of nostalgia or regret. While versatile, it's most common in news and media contexts. Be mindful of maintaining tense consistency and avoid using it when the opportunity or ability still exists. Alternatives like "when we were able to" and "when we had the opportunity" can add nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when we had the opportunity

Highlights the presence of a favorable chance or occasion.

when it was possible for us

Rephrases the concept with a more explicit and formal tone, emphasizing possibility.

when we were free to

Focuses on the absence of restrictions or obligations.

at a time when we were able to

Focuses on the ability to do something during a particular period.

when we were in a position to

Focuses on having the necessary resources or circumstances.

during the period we had the option to

Highlights the availability of a choice or option within a timeframe.

at the point we were capable of

Stresses the capability or skill to perform an action at a specific time.

in instances where we were permitted

Emphasizes permission or authorization to act.

in the days we were allowed to

Highlights a past period where permission was granted.

while we had the capacity to

Emphasizes the availability of resources or ability to perform something.

FAQs

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

Use "when we could" to describe a past time when something was possible or allowed. For example: "Those are the days "when we could chalk up homophobia to ignorance"."

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

"When we could" refers to a past ability or opportunity, while "when we can" refers to a present or future possibility. For example: "He said: "We have wasted three months "when we could be taking action to save lives"." (past) vs. "We'll address the issue "when we can"" (future).

What are some alternatives to "when we could"?

You can use alternatives like "when we were able to", "when we had the opportunity", or "at a time when we were able to", depending on the context.

Is "when we could" grammatically correct?

Yes, "when we could" is grammatically correct. It functions as a relative clause, introducing a time-dependent condition or situation that existed in the past. Ludwig AI also confirms its correct usage.