can and should

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can and should" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to imply that an action is advised or recommended. For example, "We can and should take steps to reduce our carbon footprint."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They can, and should.

The New Yorker

Everyone can and should contribute.

The New York Times

Indeed, we can and should.

The New York Times

But we can and should do better.

The New York Times

The problems can, and should be, overlooked.

The New York Times - Arts

Reconciliation processes can and should accompany justice.

The New York Times

He can, and should, do much better.

The New York Times

"We can and should do both".

The New York Times

The UK can and should do more.

Independent

More can and should be done.

The New York Times

We can and should use it now.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can and should" when suggesting an action is both possible and advisable, emphasizing the potential benefits or positive outcomes.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "can and should" in your writing. Overuse can make your suggestions sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "ought to", "must and should", or "it is imperative that" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can and should" functions as a modal expression indicating both the possibility and advisability of an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, as seen in numerous examples where it suggests a course of action is both feasible and recommended.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can and should" is a versatile expression used to advocate for actions that are both feasible and advisable. As Ludwig AI affirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. While alternatives like "ought to" or "must and should" exist, "can and should" strikes a balance between possibility and recommendation. Overusing the phrase can lead to repetitiveness, so varying your language is recommended. Overall, mastering the use of "can and should" and its alternatives will enhance your writing's clarity and persuasiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

need to and should

Indicates necessity combined with advisability.

must and should

Replaces "can" with "must", indicating a higher level of necessity.

should definitely

Adds emphasis to the recommendation by including "definitely".

ought to

Replaces "can" with a stronger sense of moral obligation or advisability.

it's recommended that

Presents the action as an official or expert recommendation.

have a duty to

Emphasizes the moral or legal obligation to perform the action.

it is imperative that

Introduces a sense of urgency or critical importance.

it's advisable to

Presents the action as a suggestion or wise course of action.

it would be beneficial to

Highlights the potential positive outcomes of the action.

are encouraged to

Suggests a recommendation without imposing a strict obligation.

FAQs

How can I use "can and should" in a sentence?

Use "can and should" to suggest an action that is both feasible and advisable. For example, "We "can and should" invest in renewable energy to reduce our carbon footprint."

What are some alternatives to "can and should"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "ought to", "must and should", or "it is recommended that".

Is it redundant to use "can and should"?

While "can" implies possibility and "should" implies recommendation, using them together emphasizes both aspects, clarifying that the action is not only feasible but also advisable. However, avoid overuse to maintain clarity and impact.

How does "can and should" differ from "must and should"?

"Can and should" suggests an action that is both possible and advisable, while "must and should" implies a stronger obligation or necessity. The choice depends on the level of emphasis you want to convey.