can of course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can of course" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to express agreement, acknowledgement, or permission. Here are some examples: - "I can of course help you with your essay, but I'll need more time." - "Can I borrow your notebook? - Yes, you can of course." - "Of course, you can make changes to the presentation if you'd like." - "We can of course discuss this matter further at the next meeting." - "Can of course also refers to a container. For example, "Could you pass me that can of course?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We can, of course.

The New York Times

No legislation can, of course.

The New York Times

He can, of course.

The Guardian - Sport

You can, of course, get it too.

Independent

This answer can, of course, be disputed.

The New York Times

Only they can of course.

The Guardian - Sport

There can, of course, be drawbacks.

The New York Times

Paradise can, of course, be quickly lost.

The New York Times - Travel

It can, of course, express displeasure.

The Guardian

This can, of course, lead to trouble.

The New York Times - Tech

Padre Island can, of course, seem pristine.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can of course" to smoothly integrate an element of concession or obviousness into your statement, making it sound less assertive and more agreeable.

Common error

While "can of course" is generally acceptable, excessive use in formal academic or professional writing can make your tone sound condescending. Opt for more formal alternatives like "certainly" or "undoubtedly" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "can of course" is to act as a modal auxiliary phrase modifying a verb. It indicates possibility, permission, or ability, while simultaneously conveying a sense of obviousness or agreement. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can of course" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that adds a touch of obviousness or agreement to a statement. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's generally acceptable but can be overused in overly formal contexts. Related phrases like "certainly can" or "surely can" can be used for variation. It's most common in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias sources. When writing, remember that while generally safe, overuse in very formal context may sound condescending, and more formal alternatives could serve better. Overall, it's a useful tool for softening your tone and building rapport with your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely can

Employs "absolutely" for strong affirmation and agreement.

certainly can

Substitutes "of course" with "certainly", adding a stronger sense of conviction.

definitely can

Replaces "of course" with "definitely" to indicate a clear and unambiguous possibility.

surely can

Replaces "of course" with "surely", implying a sense of expectation or confidence.

naturally can

Inversion of the standard order emphasizes the self-evidence of the possibility.

undoubtedly can

Uses "undoubtedly" to convey a sense of certainty, making the statement more emphatic.

as a matter of course

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes that something happens routinely or according to established procedure.

it is possible

Offers a more formal alternative, explicitly stating the possibility.

it goes without saying

Highlights the obviousness or self-evidence of the statement.

it stands to reason

Indicates that something is logically likely or expected.

FAQs

How can I use "can of course" in a sentence?

"Can of course" is used to express that something is possible or permissible, often with a sense of obviousness or agreement. For example, "You "can of course attend" the meeting, it's open to everyone."

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

You can use alternatives like "certainly can", "surely can", or "naturally can" depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "certainly can" than "can of course"?

Yes, "certainly can" is generally considered more formal than "can of course". "Can of course" has a more conversational tone, while "certainly can" implies a stronger affirmation.

What's the difference between "can of course" and "of course can"?

The placement of "of course" can subtly change the emphasis. "Can of course" is more common and neutral, while "of course can" can sound slightly more emphatic or even questioning, depending on intonation.