I can probably

USAGE SUMMARY

"I can probably" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to express that you think something is likely or probably going to happen. For example, you might say "I can probably finish my work by the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I can probably relate more.

Independent

I can probably come!

The Washington Post

I can probably manage that.

The Guardian

I can probably do this".

The New Yorker

"I can probably play better.

The New York Times - Sports

"I can probably do it, too.

The New York Times - Sports

I can probably get some of it".

The New Yorker

"I can probably come back tomorrow," he said.

The Guardian - Books

"I can probably still beat you in a wrestling match.

The New Yorker

Wow, I can probably get Prince to play.

The Guardian - Music

"I think I can probably be of more use".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I can probably" to express a reasonable expectation or likelihood, but be prepared to offer an alternative if the possibility doesn't materialize. This sets a realistic expectation without over-promising.

Common error

Avoid using "I can probably" when you have strong doubts about your ability to perform the action. Instead, opt for phrases like "I'll try" or "I'll see what I can do" to manage expectations more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I can probably" functions as a modal phrase, expressing a combination of ability and probability. Ludwig AI's examples indicate its use to convey a reasonable expectation or confidence in being able to perform an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I can probably" is a versatile phrase used to express a likely ability or a reasonable expectation of achieving a certain outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "I should be able to" and "I likely can" exist, "I can probably" strikes a balance between confidence and caution, making it suitable for diverse contexts. Remember to avoid overstating certainty and manage expectations appropriately when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I likely can

Reorders the words while retaining similar meaning, placing emphasis on 'likely'.

I most likely can

Adds emphasis to the likelihood of the action.

I should be able to

Indicates a sense of obligation or expectation alongside possibility.

I am likely to be able to

A more formal and verbose way of expressing the same likelihood.

It's probable that I can

Shifts the focus to the probability itself, rather than the speaker's ability.

I may be able to

Expresses a lower degree of certainty compared to "I can probably".

I might be able to

Similar to 'I may be able to', suggesting possibility but with less confidence.

I'm inclined to think I can

Indicates a leaning towards believing in one's ability, but with a hint of doubt.

Chances are I can

Highlights the favorable odds of being able to do something.

I anticipate being able to

Suggests a degree of planning or expectation about future ability.

FAQs

How do I use "I can probably" in a sentence?

Use "I can probably" to express a likely ability to do something. For example, "I can probably finish the report by tomorrow morning" suggests a reasonable expectation of completion.

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

You can use alternatives like "I should be able to", "I likely can", or "I may be able to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I can probably" or "I probably can"?

Both "I can probably" and "I probably can" are grammatically correct, but "I can probably" is more common and generally preferred in contemporary English.

What's the difference between "I can probably" and "I will probably"?

"I can probably" implies ability and likelihood, suggesting you possess the skill to do something and are likely to succeed. "I will probably", on the other hand, focuses more on the likelihood of a future action, regardless of ability.