Can I trust

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Can I trust" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are seeking reassurance or confirmation about the reliability or honesty of a person, source, or situation. Example: "Can I trust you to keep this information confidential?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Can I trust them?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Can I trust you?" Her eyes filled.

The New Yorker

Can I trust Haim Saban?' " Loesch recalled.

The New Yorker

Can I trust them with my information?

The New York Times - Magazine

"Can I trust you?" the women cooed back.

The New York Times - Arts

Can I trust him to take criticism well?

The Guardian

"Can I trust him?" At one point, when we were talking about the southwestern part of the state, Webb suggested, half seriously, that I should talk to his cousin Jimmy, who writes a column for The Lebanon News.

The New York Times - Magazine

Can I trust this?

Huffington Post

Can I trust Komen again?

Huffington Post

Can I trust a man to be of support?

Huffington Post

Can I trust myself to make a good choice?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Can I trust", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is being evaluated for trustworthiness. Provide specific reasons or criteria for evaluating trust to make the question more meaningful.

Common error

Avoid asking "Can I trust?" without specifying the object of trust. This can lead to ambiguity and make it difficult to receive a helpful or relevant response. Always clarify who or what you are questioning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Can I trust" functions as an interrogative clause used to seek validation or assurance regarding the trustworthiness of a person, entity, or piece of information. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Can I trust" is a common interrogative phrase used to question the reliability and honesty of a person, source, or situation. As validated by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, clarify the object of trust to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "Am I able to rely on" or "Is it safe to believe", offering nuanced ways to express the need for assurance. Ultimately, "Can I trust" serves as a fundamental inquiry into the trustworthiness of the world around us.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Am I able to rely on

Focuses on the ability to depend on someone or something, shifting the emphasis from trust to dependability.

Is it safe to believe

Emphasizes the safety and security aspects of believing someone or something, adding a dimension of potential risk.

Can I depend on

Highlights reliance and dependency, similar to "am I able to rely on" but more direct.

Is it wise to confide in

Adds a layer of wisdom and prudence to the act of trusting, suggesting careful consideration.

Should I place my faith in

Implies a deeper level of trust, akin to faith, and is often used in more serious contexts.

Is this information reliable

Shifts the focus to the reliability of information rather than personal trust in someone.

Is this source credible

Questions the credibility of a source, which is a specific aspect of trust.

Can this be verified

Emphasizes verification and proof, reducing reliance on blind trust.

What is the evidence for

Demands concrete evidence before acceptance, moving away from trust-based acceptance.

How credible is

Directly questions the credibility of a person or source, seeking an assessment of their trustworthiness.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "Can I trust" in a formal context?

In a formal context, consider using phrases like "Am I able to rely on", "Is it safe to believe", or "Is this information reliable?" These alternatives offer a more professional tone while still seeking assurance.

What does it mean to ask "Can I trust" someone or something?

Asking "Can I trust" implies seeking assurance about the reliability, honesty, or integrity of a person, source, or situation. It's a question of whether you can depend on them to be truthful and consistent.

Which is more appropriate, "Can I trust" or "Should I trust"?

"Can I trust" is a direct inquiry about whether trust is warranted or possible. "Should I trust" implies a more considered evaluation, weighing the reasons for and against trust. The choice depends on whether you're seeking information or making a decision.

What are common situations where people ask "Can I trust"?

This question commonly arises when evaluating news sources, forming relationships, making financial decisions, or assessing the reliability of information. It's often prompted by uncertainty or a need for reassurance.