can do

USAGE SUMMARY

"can do" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "can do" to indicate that someone is capable of doing something or to refer to the ability to do something. For example, "I'm confident I can do it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You can do what I can do.

The New Yorker

Wisconsin can do better".

The New York Times

What dreams can do.

The New York Times - Books

Congress can do better.

The New York Times

What you can do.

Independent

"He can do that.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Anyone can do this".

The Guardian - Travel

"You can do sponsorship.

The New York Times

Streep can do anything.

The Guardian - Film

"Everyone can do something.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Dogs can do that".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can do" to express confidence and capability. For instance, say "I can do this!" to convey determination and assurance in achieving a goal.

Common error

Avoid using "can do" excessively in professional writing, as it may sound too informal. Opt for more formal alternatives like "able to perform" or "capable of" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can do" primarily functions as an auxiliary verb phrase indicating ability, capability, or possibility. As Ludwig highlights, it's a versatile phrase widely used to express what someone or something is capable of.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can do" is a versatile and commonly used expression signifying ability, capability, or possibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. While it is frequently found in News & Media, Wiki, and Formal & Business settings, its usage in more formal academic or scientific writing might warrant consideration of alternative phrases to maintain a professional tone. Key takeaways include using "can do" to express confidence and avoiding overuse in highly formal situations. The linguistic analysis reveals its primary function as an auxiliary verb phrase, serving to communicate assurance, offer assistance, or state capabilities. Ultimately, "can do" remains a powerful tool for conveying what someone or something is capable of achieving.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have the ability to

Directly states the possession of the skill or power required for an action.

capable of doing

Highlights the inherent capacity or skill to undertake a specific activity.

able to perform

Emphasizes the ability to execute a task or action, focusing on the practical capacity.

competent to handle

Implies possessing the skill and knowledge to manage or deal with a task effectively.

within one's power

Suggests the action is achievable using one's own strength, resources, or authority.

qualified to execute

Stresses possessing the necessary qualifications, training, or expertise.

in a position to

Implies having the necessary resources, authority, or circumstances to act.

it is possible to

Indicates the potential or feasibility of an action, often highlighting uncertainty.

authorized to proceed

Highlights the official approval or sanction to move forward with an action.

be permitted to

Focuses on having authorization or permission to carry out an action.

FAQs

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

You can use "can do" to express the ability or capability to perform an action. For example, "I believe I "can do" this task successfully."

What are some alternatives to "can do"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "able to perform", "capable of doing", or "have the ability to" as alternatives to "can do".

Is it grammatically correct to say "can do"?

Yes, "can do" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to express ability or possibility.

What's the difference between "can do" and "will do"?

"Can do" implies the ability to perform an action, while "will do" indicates an intention or promise to perform it. For example, "I "can do" it" means you have the ability, whereas "I will do it" means you intend to do it.