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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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I also can

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I also can" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used when someone wants to express their ability to do something in addition to what has already been mentioned, but it requires rephrasing for clarity. Example: "I can play the guitar, and I also can sing."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

I also can do other things.

"But I should also do new measurements to see if I also can extend it, maybe.

And I also can leave behind the images of balls, chains, housedresses and Archie yelling from his recliner.

News & Media

The New York Times

"I am a lot of the time, but I also can be quite melancholy, but that's in private".

News & Media

The Guardian

It's not just that I can tell you the names of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's six children; I also can tell you their birth order and country of origin.

As a writer who writes about writers, I struggle with this surfeit of ideas and impressions myself, but I also can see this so-called malady from a different point of view, through the prism of history.

News & Media

The New York Times
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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

In addition to TLRs and DC-SIGN, RIG-I also can induce a DC response to viral infection (Kawai and Akira 2006).

Limited recent evidence indicates that certain phase I enzymes also can be influenced by gut microbiota.

Also, can I sell you this tulip bulb.

News & Media

TechCrunch

Also, can I be a little bit real with you?

News & Media

Vice

Also, can I get some ranch with that?

News & Media

Vice
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and correctness, replace the phrase "I also can" with more standard alternatives such as "I can also" or "I am also able to". This enhances readability and avoids grammatical errors.

Common error

Avoid using "also" directly after "I" when indicating capability. The correct structure typically places "also" before "can" (e.g., "I can also") or uses "am also able to" to prevent redundancy.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

2.3/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I also can" functions as a conjunction phrase intending to express an additional ability or action. However, according to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically incorrect and requires rephrasing for better clarity and correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while seemingly straightforward, the phrase "I also can" presents grammatical challenges. According to Ludwig AI, this phrasing is generally incorrect and should be replaced with alternatives such as "I can also" or "I am also able to" for improved clarity and correctness. Although it appears in various contexts, including News & Media and Science, its informal nature makes it unsuitable for professional or academic writing. When aiming for effective communication, prioritizing grammatical accuracy enhances the overall quality and credibility of your message. While the phrase may be understood, the improved phrasing will be even better understood.

FAQs

Why is "I also can" considered grammatically incorrect?

The phrase "I also can" is typically deemed incorrect because the word "also" is redundant in that specific construction. A more grammatically sound alternative is "I can also", where "also" modifies the verb "can".

What are some alternatives to "I also can" for expressing additional abilities?

You can use alternatives like "I can also", "I am also able to", or "Additionally, I can" to convey the idea of having additional skills or capabilities.

How does the formality of the context influence the choice of words to replace "I also can"?

In formal contexts, "I am also able to" or "In addition, I can" are preferred for their clarity and professional tone. For less formal situations, "I can also" is generally acceptable.

Is there a difference in meaning between "I also can" and "I can also"?

While the intended meaning might be understood, "I also can" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrasing, "I can also", is standard English and clearly expresses the idea of having an additional ability or option.

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Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

2.3/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: