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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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can kindly

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

'can kindly' is not correct and usable in written English.
You could use the word 'kindly' to make a request, as in the following example sentence: "Kindly let me know when you are ready to discuss the project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"This is mostly what you can kindly refer to as gossip, voyeurism," Professor Annas said.

News & Media

The New York Times

They lost millions of dollars each year while performing for what can kindly be described as a tidy crowd.

News & Media

The New York Times

Then, in a process that can kindly be termed clumsy, Notre Dame interviewed numerous candidates before settling on Weis in December 2004.

Forbes even tosses in what can kindly be called "foreign intrigue" (it will be interesting to see whether the reviewers who've gotten hot and bothered about the wickedly funny, politically incorrect jape that ends Muriel Spark's "Aiding and Abetting" will take issue with Forbes's portrayal of India as a dark, backward land prone to sudden outbreaks of political violence that threatens Westerners).

So if a friend offers to help you can kindly tell them thanks but no thanks.

News & Media

BBC

If I didn't include an account that you believe deserves consideration for next year, you can kindly let me know (kindly being the operative word).

News & Media

Forbes
Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Can the kindly retired general find peace and purpose as a civilian?

News & Media

The New York Times

Can you kindly cite few examples where two point processes communicate with each other through pnm.nc_append function.

So, as a sociologist, can you kindly advise me what specifically makes you "sick" about "American Pie".

Two very brave actors, Josh Brolin and Elias Koteas, have taken over from the production's original stars, Philip Seymour Hoffman and John C. Reilly, with results that can most kindly be described as flattening.

News & Media

The New York Times

Pressed on this, Mr Cameron gave what can most kindly be described as a very careful reply:You asked about the role of BP.

News & Media

The Economist
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When making requests, replace the phrase "can kindly" with alternatives like "could you please" or "would you kindly" for a more polished and grammatically correct tone. This enhances clarity and professionalism in your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "can kindly" in formal writing. While attempting to be polite, it often sounds awkward. Instead, use more conventional phrases like "please" or "if you would be so kind".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can kindly" attempts to function as a polite auxiliary to soften a request or statement. However, it's often considered grammatically awkward and less effective than other common alternatives. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, it's better to use the word "kindly" alone or other more conventional requests. While some instances do exist within the Ludwig examples, they are not always in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

43%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can kindly" is an attempt to soften requests or statements with politeness, but it's generally considered grammatically awkward. Ludwig AI suggests that it is not correct and usable in written English. While it appears in some contexts like News & Media and Wiki, better alternatives such as "could you please" or "would you kindly" offer more polished and conventional ways to express politeness. Using these alternatives will improve clarity and professionalism in your communication. Therefore, it's best to avoid "can kindly" in formal writing and opt for more standard expressions.

FAQs

Is "can kindly" grammatically correct?

No, "can kindly" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use phrases like "could you please" or "would you kindly".

What's a more polite way to make a request than using "can kindly"?

Instead of "can kindly", try using "would you kindly", "could you please", or simply adding "please" to your request.

Are there situations where "can kindly" is appropriate?

While not strictly incorrect, "can kindly" is rarely the best choice. In most situations, alternatives such as "please" or "if you would be so kind" are more effective and grammatically sound.

What can I say instead of "I can kindly"?

You can replace "I can kindly" with phrases like "I am happy to", "I would be glad to", or simply "I can" depending on the context.

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Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: