can do that

USAGE SUMMARY

"can do that" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to suggest that you are able to complete a task or that you are agreeing to someone's request, for example: "You want me to pick up the groceries? Sure, I can do that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He can do that.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Dogs can do that".

The New Yorker

"Nobody can do that".

The New York Times

I can do that".

The New York Times - Magazine

Here you can do that".

Independent

"Only God can do that".

The New York Times

You can do that, too.

The New York Times

Only Americans can do that".

The New Yorker

"Now, who can do that?

The New York Times

Arsenal can do that now.

Independent

They can do that, too.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can do that" to express confidence and willingness to undertake a task, especially when responding to a request or suggestion. It's versatile and appropriate in many contexts.

Common error

While versatile, "can do that" might sound too informal in highly professional or academic settings. Consider using more formal alternatives like "I am capable of doing that" or "I am equipped to handle that" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can do that" primarily functions as a statement of ability or willingness to perform an action. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it's used to suggest capability or agreement. Examples in Ludwig illustrate various contexts where someone expresses their readiness to undertake a task.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can do that" is a versatile phrase used to express the ability and willingness to perform an action. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, media, and business contexts. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain professional settings. Common substitutions include "I am able to do that" or "I am capable of doing that". Ludwig examples show its use in responding positively to requests, offering assurance, and indicating readiness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am capable of doing that

Replaces the contraction "can" with the full form "am capable of", offering a more formal tone.

I am able to do that

Substitutes "can" with "am able to", conveying the same meaning with a slightly different structure.

That is something I can accomplish

Replaces "do" with "accomplish", suggesting a successful completion of a task.

That falls within my capabilities

A more formal way of saying that something is within one's skill set.

I'm up to that task

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate willingness and ability to perform the task.

I will take care of that

Indicates acceptance of responsibility for a task, implying the ability to handle it.

I am equipped to handle that

Suggests having the necessary resources or skills to manage the task effectively.

I'm on it

A more informal and concise way to express agreement and readiness to start a task.

I'm willing to handle that

Emphasizes willingness to manage a particular task, implying competence.

Consider it done

Expresses confidence and immediate agreement to complete a task.

FAQs

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

You can use "can do that" to express your ability to perform a task or to agree with a suggestion. For example, "You need someone to proofread the document? I "can do that"."

What are some alternatives to "can do that"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "I am able to do that", "I am capable of doing that", or the more informal "I'm on it".

Is "can do that" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "can do that" is generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "I am capable of doing that" or "I am equipped to handle that".

What does "can do that" imply?

"Can do that" implies both the ability and willingness to perform a task or fulfill a request. It expresses confidence and readiness.