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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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I can't ever

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I can't ever remember it happening.

News & Media

The New York Times

"I can't ever forget it".

News & Media

The Guardian

But I can't ever forget".

News & Media

The New York Times

I can't ever quite forget the nightmare could explode again.

News & Media

The New York Times

I can't ever say that, but I believe it".

News & Media

The New Yorker

"I can't ever go back now," Ames says.

News & Media

The New Yorker

I can't ever achieve his greatness.

News & Media

The Guardian

I can't ever remember him saying no.

"I can't ever remember having a concussion.

"I can't ever imagine having done this.

"You mean I can't ever say I was -- I am...".

News & Media

The New York Times
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context; while grammatically correct, "I can't ever" is more conversational. In formal writing, "I will never" or "I cannot ever" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "I can't ever" excessively in formal writing. Overusing intensifiers like "ever" can make your writing sound less professional. Instead, opt for stronger verbs or more concise phrasing to convey your message effectively.

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

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I can't ever" functions as a negative intensifier, amplifying the inability or impossibility of an action or event. It conveys a strong sense of negation, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I can't ever" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphasize inability or impossibility. While generally considered informal, its prevalence in news and media showcases its broad applicability. According to Ludwig, while semantically valid, other alternatives could be used in formal contexts. Be mindful of your audience and the desired tone when choosing between "I can't ever" and its more formal counterparts like "I will never" or "I cannot ever". Overall, "I can't ever" effectively communicates a strong sense of negation in various communicative contexts.

FAQs

What does "I can't ever" mean?

The phrase "I can't ever" is used to express a strong sense of impossibility or inability to do something. It's a way of emphasizing that something will never happen or that you are completely unable to do it.

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

You can use alternatives like "I can never", "I will never", or "I cannot ever" to express a similar meaning with slight variations in formality or emphasis.

Is it correct to say "I can't ever"?

Yes, "I can't ever" is grammatically correct, although it's considered more informal. In formal writing, "I cannot ever" or "I will never" might be preferred.

What's the difference between "I can't ever" and "I can never"?

The difference is subtle. "I can't ever" emphasizes the impossibility or inability more strongly than "I can never", but they are largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference or the desired tone.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: