whether we are able to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whether we are able to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility or capability of doing something. Example: "We need to determine whether we are able to meet the project deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"It's really going to depend on whether we are able to find work," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

We must question whether we are able to receive evidence from children in an adversarial system without bullying and intimidating them.

The Guardian

Whether we are able to abolish these deeply embedded ideas for ourselves depends on how far we are able to leave belief behind and instead engage deeply, dispassionately and fearlessly with the evidence.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We will not be measured by the margin of our victory, but we will be measured by whether we are able to deliver concrete improvements to the lives of so many people all across this state," Mr. Obama said.

The New York Times

What matters, instead, is whether we are able to help her develop a very different set of qualities, a list that includes persistence, self-control, curiosity, conscientiousness, grit and self-confidence".

The New York Times

"As the volume of music we stream to listeners increases, our content acquisition expense will also increase, regardless of whether we are able to generate more revenue," the company warned in its latest securities filing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"Our pitching should be solid, and the key in these games is going to be whether we're able to get the hits," Zeile said.

The New York Times - Sports

Second, the presence of a valley may hinge on whether we're able to believe that near-human entities possess a mind, as we do.

The Guardian - Opinion

"And only time will tell whether we're able to surmount the technological challenges fast enough to meet the schedule that's been laid out," Mr. Bacon said.

The New York Times

Second, the presence of a valley may hinge on whether we're able to believe that near-human entities possess a mind like we do.

Independent

These are things that philanthropists tend not to invest in because they're not sexy but that are actually going to determine whether we're able to make reforms work or not.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "whether we are able to" when you want to express uncertainty about the possibility of achieving a specific outcome. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "whether we are able to" when a simpler construction like "if we can" is more appropriate. Clarity is often preferable to complexity in writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whether we are able to" functions as a subordinate conjunction introducing a clause that expresses doubt or a condition. It is frequently used to frame a question or a condition upon which something else depends. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase sets up a condition affecting a subsequent action or outcome.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

46%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "whether we are able to" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express uncertainty or conditionality regarding our capabilities. Ludwig's analysis indicates it's most commonly found in news and scientific contexts, with Ludwig AI confirming its correctness. While versatile, simpler alternatives like "if we can" may be preferable in informal settings. When writing, use this phrase to effectively convey doubt or a conditional possibility, particularly in formal writing, but be mindful of the context to ensure clarity and conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if we can

A more concise way to express the same idea, focusing on the possibility.

if we are capable of

Emphasizes the capability or competence to do something.

if it is within our power to

Highlights the control or authority needed to accomplish something.

assuming we can

Indicates a condition or assumption that needs to be met.

depending on our ability to

Focuses on the dependence of an outcome on our capacity.

contingent on our being able to

Highlights the conditional nature of an action based on our capability.

subject to our capacity to

Similar to 'contingent on', but emphasizes limitations and constraints.

given that we can

Introduces a premise or condition based on our abilities.

to the extent that we are able to

Specifies the degree or limit of our capability.

in the event that we can

Focuses on a specific scenario where we possess the ability.

FAQs

How can I use "whether we are able to" in a sentence?

You can use "whether we are able to" to express doubt or uncertainty about the possibility of doing something. For example, "The success of the project hinges on "whether we are able to" secure additional funding."

What's a simpler way to say "whether we are able to"?

Alternatives include "if we can", "whether we can", or "if we are capable" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "whether we are able to" formal or informal?

"Whether we are able to" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very informal settings, shorter phrases like "if we can" might be preferred.

What is the difference between "whether we are able to" and "if we are able to"?

While both phrases express a conditional possibility, "whether" implies considering alternatives, while "if" simply sets a condition. In many cases, they are interchangeable, but "whether" is often more appropriate when explicitly presenting options or uncertainties.