can do really

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can do really" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to express capability or willingness, but it lacks clarity and proper structure. Example: "I can do really well on this test if I study hard."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's nothing else I can do, really".

The New York Times

Amazing what an app can do, really.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"There is nothing more I can do" Really?

The Guardian - Sport

[But] the body can do really weird crazy things.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"In the black box, you can do really anything.

The Guardian

You can do really stupid things if you're not careful.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You've beaten a lot of the guys; you can do really something,'" Delpopolo said.

The New York Times

"We lost only one point, and I'm confident this team can do really well".

The New York Times - Sports

If it doesn't, there's always another day, so that's all you can do really".

The Guardian - Sport

One therapist said: "When patients have their medicines, they can do really complex crafts.

The New York Times

"I really like to show the people I can do really lots more things than shooting 3-pointers".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "Can skillfully do" implies expertise, while "can easily do" suggests simplicity. Choose the phrase that best fits your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "can do really" in formal writing. While it might be common in spoken language, it is not grammatically correct and can detract from the professionalism of your writing. Always opt for more standard alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can do really" functions as a modifier to express the extent or degree of one's ability to perform an action. However, Ludwig AI marks it as grammatically incorrect, which suggests using alternative phrasing for better clarity and standard English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "can do really" appears frequently, Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically incorrect. Its function is to emphasize ability or potential, predominantly in informal contexts, though it sometimes surfaces in News & Media. For formal writing, it's advisable to replace it with alternatives like "can actually do", "can genuinely do", or "are really capable of doing" to maintain clarity and adhere to standard English grammar. Despite its common usage, consciously opting for grammatically correct alternatives will enhance the quality and professionalism of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can actually do

Emphasizes the feasibility or reality of performing an action, adding a nuance of surprise or confirmation.

can genuinely do

Highlights the authenticity and sincerity of being able to perform an action.

can effectively do

Focuses on the efficiency and successfulness with which an action can be performed.

can truly do

Stresses the genuine and unexaggerated ability to perform an action.

can skillfully do

Indicates a proficient or adept ability to perform an action.

are really capable of doing

Shifts the focus to inherent capability and potential.

can reliably do

Emphasizes the consistency and dependability of being able to perform an action.

can easily do

Highlights the lack of difficulty in performing an action.

can certainly do

Conveys confidence and assurance in the ability to perform an action.

are definitely able to do

Expresses a firm and unambiguous capability to perform an action.

FAQs

How can I rephrase the sentence using "can do really" to make it grammatically correct?

Instead of "can do really", consider using phrases like "can actually do", "can genuinely do", or "are really capable of doing" depending on the context.

Is "can do really" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "can do really" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in formal writing. It's better to use more standard alternatives like "can effectively do" or "can truly do".

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

"Can really do" is the grammatically correct form. "Can do really" is considered non-standard. Using "can really do" emphasizes the ability to a greater degree.

When is it acceptable to use "can do really"?

While "can do really" might be acceptable in very informal speech or casual conversation, it's best to avoid it in written communication and formal settings. Opt for alternatives like "can easily do" or "can certainly do" for better clarity and grammatical correctness.