I cannot do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I cannot do" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express an inability or refusal to perform a specific action or task. Example: "I cannot do what you are asking me to do at this moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I cannot do coffee.

The New York Times

I cannot do anything bad".

Independent

I cannot do anything else.

Independent

"But I cannot do it.

The New Yorker

I cannot do that now.

The New York Times

I cannot do it anymore".

The New Yorker

I cannot do this now.

Independent

This I cannot do.

The Guardian - Opinion

'I cannot do this job.

The New York Times

I cannot do this alone.

The Guardian - Sport

"I cannot do it now.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I cannot do" to express a direct inability or refusal. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, providing clarity and assertiveness.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid overuse of "I cannot do" in highly formal writing. Alternatives like "I am unable to" or "It is not possible for me to" may sound more polished.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I cannot do" functions as a declarative statement expressing the speaker's inability or refusal to perform an action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I cannot do" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to express an inability or refusal to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. While it's suitable for various contexts, from news articles to scientific papers and everyday conversations, using slightly more formal alternatives may be preferable in highly formal writing. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, highlighting its widespread applicability. Consider alternatives like "I'm unable to" or "It's impossible for me to" for subtle variations in meaning and tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm unable to do

More formal alternative, emphasizing a lack of ability.

I'm not able to do

Similar in meaning, focusing on a lack of capability.

I'm incapable of doing

Highlights a fundamental inability or lack of skill.

I can't perform

Focuses on the act of carrying out a task.

It's impossible for me to do

Emphasizes the impossibility of the action.

I am not in a position to do

Suggests situational constraints preventing the action.

I'm not permitted to do

Indicates a lack of authorization.

I'm restricted from doing

Emphasizes an external restriction or limitation.

I'm prevented from doing

Highlights an external factor stopping the action.

I decline to do

A formal way of refusing to do something.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I cannot do"?

You can use alternatives like "I'm unable to", "I'm not able to", or "I'm incapable of doing" depending on the context.

How to use "I cannot do" in a sentence?

"I cannot do" is used to express inability or refusal. For example, "I cannot do what you are asking me to do at this moment" or "I cannot do that because it is against my principles".

Which is correct, "I cannot do" or "I can't do"?

Both are correct, but "I cannot do" is more formal while "I can't do" is more informal and commonly used in spoken English and casual writing.

What's the difference between "I cannot do" and "I am not able to do"?

"I cannot do" is a more direct and assertive way of expressing inability. "I am not able to do" is often perceived as slightly more polite and formal, suggesting a lack of ability rather than a firm refusal.