I can still

USAGE SUMMARY

"I can still" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that you are still able to do something. For example: "I can still do the job, even though I'm over 80 years old."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I can still teach".

The New Yorker

I can still smile.

The New Yorker

"But I can still paint".

The New Yorker

"I can still see them".

The New York Times

Because I can still win".

The New York Times - Sports

Healthy, I can still compete".

The New York Times - Sports

"I can still hear it.

The New York Times

I can still see it.

The New York Times - Health

I can still improve".

The Guardian

I can still hit.

The New York Times - Sports

"I can still dance".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I can still" to reassure or express confidence in one's continued abilities, especially when facing challenges or doubts.

Common error

Avoid using "I can still" excessively to show off or deny limitations; it can come across as insecure or defensive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I can still" functions as a modal phrase expressing continued ability or possibility. The modal verb "can" indicates capability, and "still" emphasizes that this capability persists despite circumstances or expectations, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I can still" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to convey the persistence of an ability, feeling, or state. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase functions as a modal phrase indicating continued capacity. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts and serves to reassure, express determination, or counter doubts. While versatile, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding boastful. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am still able to

Emphasizes the ability aspect more explicitly.

I continue to be able to

Highlights the ongoing nature of the ability.

I am currently capable of

Focuses on present capability.

I find myself still able to

Subtly emphasizes surprise or acknowledgement of continued ability.

I have not lost the ability to

Focuses on the absence of decline in ability.

I retain the power to

Emphasizes the strength or control implied.

My capabilities persist in

Highlights ongoing ability.

I yet have the capacity to

More formal and emphasizes potential.

I am as yet in a position to

Formal, indicates a current state of readiness.

It remains within my power to

Formal, emphasizing authority or influence.

FAQs

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

Use "I can still" to indicate that you are currently capable of doing something, often in contrast to expectations or previous limitations. For example, "Even though I'm retired, "I can still teach"".

What are some alternatives to "I can still"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "I am still able to", "I continue to", or "I have not lost the ability to" as alternatives.

Is it correct to say "I can to still" instead of "I can still"?

No, "I can to still" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "I can still". The word "still" modifies the verb that follows "can", indicating that the action is continuing.

What does "I can still" imply in a conversation?

"I can still" often implies a contrast or surprise, suggesting that despite certain circumstances (age, injury, etc.) the speaker retains the ability to perform a specific action. It also can be used to express an unwaning state, feeling, emotion or memory like in the sentence "I can still feel it".