absolutely can

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absolutely can" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize certainty or strong affirmation regarding someone's ability to do something. Example: "With the right resources and support, we absolutely can achieve our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You absolutely can.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I absolutely can," Collins said.

The New York Times - Sports

"You absolutely can get there," he said.

The Guardian

"You absolutely can compare those numbers," he said.

The New York Times

Oh, I absolutely can see that there's a way in which I brought this on myself.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was then that Ms. Phillips told him: "We absolutely can".

The New York Times

But, just as happened here at the Opera House, it absolutely can be done".

The Guardian - Arts

"It shows we absolutely can compete, and are competing, really well.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

You absolutely can give everything you have to try to make it better".

The New York Times - Sports

"And the physical presence absolutely can be part of the solution".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Absolutely we can.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "absolutely can" to express strong agreement or confidence in a statement. For example, "If we work together, we "absolutely can" achieve our goals."

Common error

Avoid using "absolutely can" in situations where a simple "yes" or "can" would suffice. Overuse can dilute the impact and make your writing sound less genuine.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolutely can" functions as an emphatic affirmation or confirmation. It combines the adverb "absolutely", which intensifies the auxiliary verb "can", to express a strong sense of certainty, agreement, or capability. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to confidently assert the possibility or ability to do something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "absolutely can" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express strong affirmation or certainty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. The phrase functions to convey assurance and confidence, and while generally neutral in register, overuse in weak affirmations should be avoided. Alternatives such as "definitely can" or "certainly can" may be used for less emphatic assertions. Remember, "absolutely can" is best used when you want to leave no doubt about your conviction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

definitely can

Emphasizes a firm and clear possibility or ability. It is very similar in meaning, but "absolutely" adds a stronger sense of conviction.

certainly can

Indicates a confident expectation or assurance. This is a less emphatic alternative.

without a doubt can

Similar to "undoubtedly can", emphasizing certainty and lack of question.

undoubtedly can

Highlights that there is no doubt about the ability or possibility.

positively can

Indicates a confident and affirmative response.

assuredly can

Stresses confidence in the ability or possibility. This is a formal alternative.

truly can

Highlights the genuine possibility or ability, adding an element of sincerity.

of course can

Implies that something is naturally or obviously possible. This is a less forceful option.

indeed can

Affirms the possibility or ability with a formal tone.

easily can

Suggests that something can be done without much difficulty.

FAQs

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

Use "absolutely can" to express strong agreement or certainty. For example: "Can you finish the project by tomorrow?" "I "absolutely can"!"

What can I say instead of "absolutely can"?

You can use alternatives like "definitely can", "certainly can", or "undoubtedly can" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "absolutely can" in formal writing?

Yes, "absolutely can" is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts when you want to emphasize certainty or agreement.

What's the difference between "absolutely can" and just saying "can"?

"Absolutely can" adds a stronger emphasis and level of certainty compared to simply saying "can". It indicates a firm and confident affirmation.