can barely walk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can barely walk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is having significant difficulty walking, often due to injury, illness, or fatigue. Example: "After the long hike, I was so exhausted that I could barely walk back to the car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I can barely walk.

The New York Times - Sports

"Sometimes you can barely walk.

The New York Times - Sports

Allen can barely walk.

The New York Times - Sports

I can barely walk right now.

The New York Times

Their coach can barely walk to practice".

The New York Times - Sports

"Today I can barely walk," she said.

The New York Times

I can barely walk through the house.

The New Yorker

There are times that I can barely walk.

Harvard University

"I'm 65, I've lost my wife, I can barely walk".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The youngest one has bound feet and can barely walk.

The New York Times - Arts

You can barely walk without tripping over a trombonist.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's physical condition, provide context. Instead of just saying someone "can barely walk", explain the reason: "Due to the injury, he can barely walk".

Common error

Avoid exaggeration; using "can barely walk" implies some limited walking ability. If someone is completely unable to walk, use phrases like "unable to walk" or "confined to a wheelchair".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can barely walk" functions as a descriptor of a physical limitation, specifically concerning the ability to ambulate. It modifies a subject, indicating a significant impairment in their capacity to walk. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a grammatically correct and frequently used expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can barely walk" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a significant limitation in someone's ability to walk. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure accuracy and provide relevant context to enhance clarity. Consider alternatives like "struggle to walk" or "have difficulty walking" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can hardly walk

Synonymous, using "hardly" instead of "barely" for slight variation.

are barely able to walk

Adds emphasis to the limited ability.

struggle to walk

Focuses on the effort required rather than the degree of limitation.

have difficulty walking

Emphasizes the challenge or problem experienced while walking.

find it hard to walk

Highlights the personal experience of difficulty.

are unable to walk far

Specifies the limitation in terms of distance.

are not very mobile

A softer way to phrase the same sentiment as "have limited mobility".

have limited mobility

A formal way to describe reduced ability to move.

are mostly immobile

Shifts focus to a more general lack of mobility.

are largely confined to a chair

Indicates a significant restriction in movement, usually requiring a wheelchair.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "can barely walk"?

Saying someone "can barely walk" means they have significant difficulty walking, often due to pain, injury, fatigue, or some other physical limitation. It implies they are still able to walk a little, but with considerable effort or discomfort.

What can I say instead of "can barely walk"?

You can use alternatives like "struggle to walk", "have difficulty walking", or "can hardly walk" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "can barely walk" in formal writing?

Yes, "can barely walk" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. It's a clear and direct way to describe someone's limited walking ability, suitable for various contexts including news reports, medical descriptions, and personal narratives.

Which is more accurate, saying someone "can barely walk" or that they are "unable to walk"?

The choice depends on the specific situation. "Can barely walk" suggests some limited walking ability, while "unable to walk" means they cannot walk at all. Choose the phrase that most accurately reflects the person's actual condition.