whenever we can

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whenever we can" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a willingness or intention to do something at any opportunity that arises. Example: "We should try to meet up for coffee whenever we can."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

We avoid it whenever we can.

The New Yorker

"Friends of mine and I rent them whenever we can.

The New York Times

16 "We want to annoy the fuckers whenever we can.

The Guardian - Business

"With my sons, we go surfing whenever we can.

The New York Times

We try to get them whenever we can.

The New York Times - Arts

We'll take it whenever we can get it".

The New York Times - Sports

The filmmakers show off London landmarks whenever we can.

Independent

"I would certainly suggest that we go to Congress whenever we can," he added.

The New York Times

"So we owe the game to do the best we can whenever we can".

The New York Times - Sports

3 We will try to add the supernatural whenever we can.

The Guardian

"We try to work with other startups whenever we can," he said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the sentence context clearly defines who the 'we' refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "whenever we can" without clearly establishing who 'we' refers to. Vague references can confuse readers. Always provide context to ensure clarity. For instance, specify "the team" or "our company" instead of assuming the reader understands who 'we' encompasses.

Linguistic Context

Whenever we can" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate frequency or opportunity. It specifies when an action is performed. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, indicating an action is repeated at each possible instance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "whenever we can" is a versatile and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to express the intent to perform an action at every available opportunity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread, particularly in news and media. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly defines who 'we' refers to. While acceptable across various registers, it's less common in highly formal or scientific writing. Remember to use alternatives like "as often as possible" or "when possible" to adjust the tone and formality of your writing as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as often as we are able

Emphasizes frequency based on capability, adding a layer of formality.

at every opportunity we have

Highlights the availability of chances, focusing on seizing moments.

when it is possible for us

Introduces a condition of feasibility, making it slightly more formal.

any time we're in a position to

Specifies being in a suitable state or situation to act.

if the chance presents itself

Focuses on the chance arising, rather than proactive seeking.

as circumstances permit

Relies on external conditions allowing the action, more formal.

when the situation allows

Similar to circumstance, emphasizes the situational context.

if conditions are favorable

Stresses positive or advantageous conditions being necessary.

on the off chance that we're able

Implies a low probability or rare opportunity.

should the occasion arise

Suggests a more formal, and possibly infrequent, event.

FAQs

How can I use "whenever we can" in a sentence?

Use "whenever we can" to indicate that something will be done at every possible opportunity. For example, "We try to visit our grandparents "whenever we can"" means you visit them as often as possible.

What are some alternatives to "whenever we can"?

Alternatives to "whenever we can" include phrases like "as often as possible", "when possible", or "at every opportunity". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "whenever we can"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "whenever we can" is a common and accepted way to express doing something at every available opportunity. Ludwig confirms that it's usable and appropriate.

What's the difference between "whenever we can" and "if we can"?

"Whenever we can" implies a repeated action at every opportunity, while "if we can" suggests a conditional action that may or may not occur. "We'll help "whenever we can"" means you will help at every opportunity. "We'll help "if we can"" means you will only help if certain conditions are met.