can they

USAGE SUMMARY

"can they" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking a question about the feasibility of an action. For example: "Can they go skiing this weekend?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Can they today?

The New York Times

Can they afford it?

The New York Times

Can they defy history?

The Economist

"How can they?

The New York Times

Can they cause harm?

Independent

They can't, can they?

Independent

Can they be rescued?

The Economist

Can they do this?

The New York Times

Can they be stopped?

The New York Times

And can they?

The Guardian - Opinion

Can they think unconventionally?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can they", ensure clarity in the context so the listener or reader understands who "they" refers to.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by ensuring that the pronoun "they" is clearly defined within the sentence or previous context to prevent confusion about who is being referred to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can they" functions primarily as an interrogative construction, used to inquire about the ability, capability, or permission of a group of people to perform a certain action. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can they" is a versatile and commonly used interrogative that serves to inquire about the ability, capability, or permission of a group of people. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for a wide range of contexts, though it's most frequently found in news and media. To ensure clarity, make sure the subject of "they" is well-defined. Consider alternatives like "are they able to" or "is it possible for them to" for slightly more formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are they able to

This alternative replaces "can" with "are able to", emphasizing capability.

is it feasible for them to

This alternative explores the practicality of the action.

are they in a position to

This alternative focuses on their current circumstances and whether they allow them to act.

is it possible for them to

This alternative focuses on the possibility of them performing an action.

will they be capable of

This alternative questions their future capability.

do they have the ability to

This alternative highlights their inherent capacity or skill.

do they have what it takes to

This alternative questions if they possess the necessary qualities or resources.

are they permitted to

This alternative shifts the focus to whether they have permission to do something.

is it within their power to

This alternative questions whether they have the power or authority to do something.

may they

A more formal way of asking if they have permission.

FAQs

How can I use "can they" in a sentence?

You can use "can they" to ask about someone's ability or permission to do something. For example, "Can they attend the meeting?" inquires about their capacity or authorization to be there.

What's a more formal way to ask if someone is able to do something?

Instead of "can they", you could ask "are they able to" or "is it possible for them to". These alternatives may be more appropriate in professional or academic contexts.

Is there a difference between "can they" and "are they allowed to"?

"Can they" generally refers to ability, while "are they allowed to" focuses on permission. You would use "are they allowed to" when asking if someone has the necessary authorization to do something.

What are some common phrases similar to "can they"?

Similar phrases include "do they have the ability to", "are they capable of", and "do they have what it takes to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.