I cannot walk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I cannot walk" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing an inability to walk due to physical limitations or other reasons. Example: "After the accident, I cannot walk without assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

I cannot walk.

The New Yorker

"When they want to unburden themselves, I cannot walk away.

The New York Times

"I cannot walk into my bedroom," he said.

The New York Times

I know why I cannot walk at night without feeling threatened by attack.

The Guardian

"I cannot hear, I cannot see, I cannot walk," Nathalie complains, adding darkly, "Everyone thinks I am always drunk".

The New York Times - Books

I cannot walk down the street without being told how much I have to attack Secretary Clinton.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

"I literally cannot walk across the parking lot without being stopped to talk about this issue," he said.

The New York Times

I understand we cannot walk off the pitch every time, but when you are picked on continuously for your colour, for who you are, for your family, your community, you can feel you have had enough.

The Guardian - Sport

"I think we cannot walk away from the potential to save lives and improve lives, to help people literally get up and walk, to do all kinds of things we could never have imagined, as long as we meet rigorous, ethical standards".

The New York Times

"I think we cannot walk away from the potential to save lives and improve lives, to help people literally get up and walk, to do all kinds of things we could never have imagined," the president said, "as long as we meet rigorous, ethical standards".

The New York Times

She cannot walk, I have to carry her all the time.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing physical limitations, provide context to explain the reason why "I cannot walk", as this adds clarity and empathy.

Common error

Avoid using "I cannot walk" without specifying whether it's temporary or permanent, as this can lead to misunderstandings. Instead, be specific about the duration and circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I cannot walk" functions as a statement of inability. It combines a first-person pronoun, a modal verb expressing lack of ability, and an action verb. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used. Examples show its deployment across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I cannot walk" is a straightforward and grammatically correct statement indicating an inability to walk, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its frequency is classified as very common. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it serves to express a physical limitation or disability. When using this phrase, providing context enhances understanding. Related alternatives include "I am unable to walk" and "I can't walk". To avoid vagueness, specify the duration and circumstances surrounding the inability to walk.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am unable to walk

Replaces "cannot" with "am unable", offering a more formal tone.

I can't walk

Uses the contraction "can't" for a more informal tone.

Walking is not possible for me

Emphasizes the impossibility of walking from a personal perspective.

I have difficulty walking

Indicates a challenge or struggle with walking, rather than complete inability.

My ability to walk is impaired

A more clinical or formal way of expressing reduced walking ability.

I am restricted from walking

Suggests an external restriction or prohibition on walking.

I am confined to a wheelchair

Specifies the need for a wheelchair due to inability to walk.

I lack the capacity to walk

Focuses on the absence of the physical capability to walk.

I am not ambulatory

Uses a formal term to describe the inability to walk independently.

I have lost the ability to walk

Highlights the loss of a previously held ability.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "I cannot walk"?

It typically means the person is unable to walk due to a physical limitation, injury, or other medical condition. The exact nature of the limitation may vary.

What are some alternatives to saying "I cannot walk"?

You can use alternatives like "I am unable to walk", "I can't walk", or "walking is not possible for me" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I cannot walk"?

Yes, "I cannot walk" is grammatically correct. It uses the subject "I", the modal verb "cannot", and the base form of the verb "walk".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "I cannot walk"?

It is appropriate to use the phrase "I cannot walk" when you want to express your inability to walk due to a physical limitation, injury, or any other condition that prevents you from walking.