Can you supply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Can you supply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when requesting someone to provide or furnish something, such as information, materials, or assistance. Example: "Can you supply the necessary documents for the meeting tomorrow?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Can you supply anything.

The Guardian - Books

Can you supply it to me?

Yale University

Can you supply me with a fax no.? Please use my email address below.

Columbia University

Can you supply the missing 25 words from the 1999 book review of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," the first-ever mention of "Harry Potter" in The New York Times?

The New York Times

Marcia, if you're reading, can you supply a name?

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The problem is that smallholders typically don't have large surpluses, so how can you secure supply?

The Guardian

The doctor sent a telegram to the U.S. Public Health Service, in Washington: "CAN YOU PLACE SUPPLY PARROT FEVER SERUM OUR DISPOSAL IMMEDIATELY".

The New Yorker

Define the functions you think they need and you can supply, and then apply for a corresponding position, whether or not they've created it yet.

Princeton University

This can be challenged, but the more proof you can supply that your absence will be temporary, the more likely it is to succeed.

The Guardian

That's why you need to discuss the resources you can supply to assure that the new manager will flourish.

Harvard Business Review

Alternatively, you can use joysticks or more elaborate user interface devices (provided that you can supply the required devices for your program demonstration sessions; see below).

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Can you supply", consider the context and audience. In formal settings, "Could you provide" might be more appropriate. Be clear about what you need and any specific requirements.

Common error

While grammatically correct, avoid using "Can you supply" in very informal conversations. Simpler phrases like "Can you give me" or "Do you have" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Can you supply" functions as an interrogative request. It's used to ask if someone is able to provide or furnish something, whether it be information, materials, or assistance. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from needing physical supplies to requesting information.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Can you supply" is a grammatically sound and usable interrogative, most commonly found in News & Media and Academic contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves as a direct request for resources or information. While appropriate for professional and neutral settings, consider using simpler alternatives in informal conversations. To enhance clarity, always specify your needs and requirements when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Could you provide

More polite and formal alternative.

Are you able to furnish

A formal and slightly more elaborate way of asking for something.

Can you give me

A simpler and more direct way to ask for something.

Are you capable of providing

Focuses on the ability to provide something.

Can you offer

Suggests a willingness to provide something.

Are you in a position to supply

More formal, inquires about the possibility to supply.

Could you offer

Polite and suggestive.

Can you make available

Focuses on the act of making something accessible.

Are you able to deliver

More specific, focusing on the act of delivering something.

Can you source

Specifically asks if someone can find the source of something.

FAQs

How can I use "Can you supply" in a sentence?

You can use "Can you supply" when you want to request someone to provide something. For example: "Can you supply the missing information?" or "Can you supply additional resources for the project?"

What can I say instead of "Can you supply"?

You can use alternatives like "Could you provide", "are you able to furnish", or "can you give me depending on the context.

Is "Can you supply" formal or informal?

"Can you supply" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. In highly informal contexts, simpler alternatives might be preferred. For example in very casual contexts, asking "Do you have?" might be better suited compared to "Can you supply?".

When is it best to use "Can you supply" over other alternatives?

Use "Can you supply" when you need something specific and want to inquire if someone can provide it, specially if it involves delivering something. It's suitable for business communications, formal requests, or when precision is important, or if the item is not easily available. "Could you provide" is a good alternative.