I can't either

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I can't either" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in response to someone expressing a negative sentiment or inability, indicating that you share the same feeling or situation. Example: "I can't believe we missed the concert. I can't either."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"I can't either," Jane replies.

The New York Times - Books

"I can't either," said Scalia.

The New Yorker

ANASTASIO -- I can't either.

The New York Times - Arts

'I can't either,' and they kiss, which leads to more".

The New York Times

"They can't understand how we don't have power for such a long period of time, and frankly, I can't either!" When power returned on Tuesday, his wife returned to Teaneck to reopen her office and they restocked their refrigerator.

The New York Times

I can't either, off the cuff, but he was the usually out-of-focus husband of the FBI agent who went undercover as Adriana LaServa's big-hair Jersey-girl gal-pal.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Most people I meet can't either.

Vice

I hope you can't either.

Huffington Post

And I hope you can't either.

Huffington Post

I can hardly wait to find out, and I'm sure you can't, either.

The New York Times

I bet the children can't either!".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I can't either" to show empathy and agreement with someone's negative statement or inability. It's a concise way to connect with the speaker.

Common error

Avoid using "I can't either" in response to a positive statement. It's designed to express agreement with a negative condition. For positive agreement, use phrases like "Me too" or "I can too".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I can't either" serves as a response, indicating agreement or shared inability with a preceding negative statement. It functions as a concise way to express the same sentiment, as validated by Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I can't either" is a common and grammatically correct way to express agreement with a negative statement or shared inability. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. It's important to use this phrase only in response to negative statements. While alternatives like "me neither" and "nor can I" exist, "I can't either" offers a versatile and widely accepted option for expressing empathy and connection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Me neither

A shorter, more informal way to express the same sentiment.

I can't do that either

More explicit about the action or situation that one is unable to do.

Nor can I

A more formal and slightly emphatic way of expressing agreement with a negative statement.

I'm unable to as well

A more formal and elaborate way of saying "I can't either".

I am also unable to

A slightly more detached and formal version.

I, likewise, cannot

Emphasizes the agreement in a formal tone.

The feeling is mutual

Implies a shared sentiment or inability, although less direct.

Same here

A very informal and concise way to express agreement.

I share that sentiment

Indicates agreement, focusing on the feeling or opinion rather than the inability.

I concur

A formal term for agreeing, but less specific to inability.

FAQs

How can I use "I can't either" in a sentence?

Use "I can't either" to express that you share the same inability or negative feeling as someone else. For example, if someone says, "I can't remember where I put my keys," you can respond with, "I can't either".

What can I say instead of "I can't either"?

Alternatives to "I can't either" include "me neither", "nor can I", or "I can't do that either", depending on the formality and context.

When is it appropriate to use "I can't either"?

It is appropriate to use "I can't either" when you want to express agreement with someone's negative statement or inability. Make sure the original statement is negative before using it.

Is "I can't either" formal or informal?

"I can't either" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both informal and semi-formal settings. More formal alternatives exist, such as "nor can I", but "I can't either" is widely acceptable.