can she

USAGE SUMMARY

"can she" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to ask a question about a person's ability or possibility of doing something. It can also be used to express surprise or disbelief. Example: Can she really run a marathon in under 3 hours?.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Can she throw?

The New York Times - Sports

Can she help it?

The New Yorker

What can she expect?

The New York Times

Can she feel?

Independent

"Can she do it?

The New York Times

Can she play?

The New York Times - Sports

How can she know?

The New York Times - Books

Can she hell.

Independent

Can she dance?

The New York Times

"You can," she says.

The New Yorker

Can she survive?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can she" in formal writing, ensure the context is clear and the question's intent is easily understood. In less formal contexts, it's perfectly acceptable for everyday use.

Common error

Avoid using "can she" in highly formal or technical writing without ensuring it fits the tone. While grammatically correct, it might sound too informal in certain contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can she" functions primarily as an interrogative clause, used to inquire about a female subject's ability, capability, or possibility of performing an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct. Examples on Ludwig showcase its usage across diverse scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can she" is a grammatically correct and frequently used interrogative phrase used to inquire about a female subject's ability or potential. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical validity and common usage. It's suitable for neutral contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or technical writing. As demonstrated by examples found on Ludwig, it appears most often in News & Media, and Science contexts. Understanding its function and register ensures effective communication across various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is she able to

Replaces "can" with "is able to", emphasizing ability and capacity.

is she capable of

Similar to "is she able to", but highlights inherent capability.

does she have the ability to

More formal way of asking about someone's capacity to do something.

is it possible for her to

Shifts the focus to possibility rather than inherent ability.

will she be able to

Focuses on future ability or possibility.

is she going to

Explores intention or future action, rather than just ability.

could she

Uses a conditional form to suggest politeness or uncertainty.

may she

Expresses possibility or permission in a more formal manner.

how is she going to

Inquires about the method or strategy someone will use.

what are her chances of

Focuses on the probability of success.

FAQs

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

Use "can she" to ask about a female subject's ability or possibility of doing something. For instance, "Can she swim?" or "Can she drive?".

What's a more formal alternative to "can she"?

For a more formal approach, you can use "is she able to" or "is she capable of". For example, instead of "can she attend?", you might ask "is she able to attend?".

Is "can she" grammatically correct?

Yes, "can she" is grammatically correct. It's a common way to form a question about someone's ability or potential. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules.

In what situations is it best to avoid using "can she"?

While generally acceptable, "can she" might be too informal for highly technical or academic writing. In these cases, consider more formal alternatives like "is she capable of".