I can actually

USAGE SUMMARY

'I can actually' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used in various contexts and is typically used to add emphasis or to clarify a statement. For example: - "I can actually see the stars from my backyard." - "I can actually finish this project by the end of the week." - "I can actually speak three languages fluently." - "I can actually understand what she's saying now." - "I can actually cook a decent meal on my own."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I can actually see the actual suggestions working.

BMC Medical Education

"I can actually sleep".

The New York Times

No, I can actually.

The Guardian - Film

I can actually hear myself think (priceless!).

The New York Times

I can actually see fruit.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"But I can actually see that happening to players now.

The New York Times - Sports

I just hope I can actually do it".

Independent

"I can actually do something with my life.

The New York Times

And I've proved that I can actually deliver a book.

The New York Times

So I think I can actually help calm people's nerves".

The New York Times

"I can actually buy a bottle of wine".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I can actually" to express surprise or emphasis when you discover or realize you possess a certain ability or can perform a specific action. It adds a layer of authenticity and relatability to your statement.

Common error

Avoid overusing "actually" in your writing. While it can add emphasis, excessive use can make your writing sound hesitant or insincere. Vary your language to maintain a natural and confident tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I can actually" primarily functions as a declarative statement expressing ability or capability, often with an added element of surprise or emphasis. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I can actually" is a very common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize one's ability, often in surprising or newly realized contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions primarily as a declarative statement asserting capability and is frequently found in news and media sources. While versatile, it's important to avoid overusing "actually" to maintain a natural writing style. Alternatives such as "I really can" or "I am indeed able to" can provide similar emphasis with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm actually able to

Replaces "can" with "able to" but retains "actually" for emphasis.

I really can

Emphasizes the ability or possibility more directly than the original phrase.

I am indeed able to

Adds a formal tone and reinforces the capability.

I am truly able to

Highlights the genuineness of the ability.

I am in fact capable of

Uses a more formal and emphatic structure.

I am genuinely able to

Emphasizes the sincerity and realness of the ability.

It turns out I can

Indicates a discovery or realization of the ability.

As a matter of fact, I can

Introduces the ability as a response to a doubt or question.

Surprisingly, I can

Adds an element of unexpectedness to the ability.

Believe it or not, I can

Highlights the incredulity that might surround the ability.

FAQs

How can I use "I can actually" in a sentence?

Use "I can actually" to emphasize a surprising ability or possibility. For example, "I thought I couldn't fix it, but "I can actually"!"

What does "I can actually" mean?

It means that the speaker is emphasizing their ability to do something, often in a context where this ability might be surprising or unexpected.

What can I say instead of "I can actually"?

You can use alternatives like "I really can", "I am indeed able to", or "surprisingly, I can" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I can actually"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. The word "actually" modifies the verb "can" to add emphasis or convey surprise.