can barely move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can barely move" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of extreme fatigue, injury, or limitation in mobility. Example: "After the intense workout, I was so exhausted that I could barely move."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I can barely move.

The New York Times - Magazine

You can barely move.

MIT Technology Review

Ana can barely move for Audis.

The New Yorker

The average rider can barely move.

The New York Times

The Brooklyn Bridge is so crammed you can barely move.

The Guardian - Travel

And after the weekend I can barely move".

The New Yorker

Citi can barely move without first getting Treasury or Fed approval.

The Economist

Afterward you're in so much nerve pain that you can barely move.

The New Yorker

Another talks to her husband, Michael (Lior Ashkenazi), who says nothing and can barely move.

The New Yorker

I am sceptical: "But you can barely move in Shanghai's traffic.

The Guardian

It's tough to make a vigorous movie about someone who can barely move.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can barely move" to vividly depict situations where movement is severely limited due to physical constraints, external pressures, or metaphorical immobility. For example, "The company, burdened by debt, can barely move in the market."

Common error

Avoid using "can barely move" in overly casual conversations where simpler phrases like "I'm tired" or "I'm stuck" would suffice. Overusing it can sound dramatic or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can barely move" functions as a descriptive expression, indicating a significant limitation in physical movement or a metaphorical inability to progress. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can barely move" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe a state of significant physical or metaphorical immobility. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is widely used in news, media, and scientific contexts. While its usage is generally neutral, avoid overusing it in overly casual contexts where simpler phrasing would suffice. Related phrases include "can scarcely stir" and "is almost immobile", offering slight variations in emphasis. Ensure to tailor your choice based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can hardly budge

Implies a very slight degree of movement is possible, focusing on the effort required.

is almost immobile

Highlights the lack of movement, emphasizing a near-static state.

can scarcely stir

Focuses on the difficulty in making even the smallest movements.

can barely stir

Highlights a struggle to move at all, be it physical or metaphorical.

is virtually paralyzed

Indicates a state resembling paralysis, where movement is severely restricted.

is mostly stationary

Focuses on the static nature of the subject, emphasizing the lack of relocation.

is nearly unable to move

Stresses the impaired ability to move, suggesting a significant limitation.

can't move freely

Emphasizes the restriction on movement, implying external or internal constraints.

is severely restricted in movement

Highlights the limited range or ease of motion, indicating a formal or medical context.

is heavily restricted

Stresses the limited range or ease of motion, indicating a formal or business context.

FAQs

How can I use "can barely move" in a sentence?

You can use "can barely move" to describe a state of near-immobility due to physical limitations, external constraints, or even metaphorical situations. For example, "After the marathon, I "could barely move"", or "The project, bogged down in bureaucracy, "could barely move forward"".

What's the difference between "can barely move" and "can hardly move"?

While both phrases express a significant limitation in movement, "can barely move" suggests a slightly greater degree of difficulty or restriction compared to "can hardly move". The difference is subtle and context-dependent.

What are some alternatives to "can barely move"?

Alternatives include "can scarcely stir", "is almost immobile", or "can hardly budge", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "could barely move" instead of "can barely move"?

Yes, ""could barely move"" is grammatically correct and appropriate when referring to a past state or ability. For example, "After the surgery, she "could barely move" her arm".