can to answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can to answer" is not correct in written English.
It seems to be a mix-up of "can answer" or "able to answer." Example: "I can answer your questions about the project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

I am here to do what I can to answer your questions.

The New Yorker

But we'll do the best we can to answer questions both here and those that are sent in.

Cornell University

If citizens want to talk to me about my personal failings, that's their right, and I'm going to do everything I can to answer them".

The New York Times - Magazine

"It was my choice, it was a mistake back when I did it, and I'm trying to do the best I can to answer all the questions".

The Guardian

"I'm really just trying to do the best I can to answer the president's call — to make sure that one side is not vastly outspent in this election," Mr. McMorris said in an interview.

The New York Times

You should always feel comfortable calling the Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs) or trial attorney handling your case, and they will do what they can to answer questions you have.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

With Buso's observations, scientists can begin to answer that.

The Washington Post

A few questions no one can seem to answer for me.

The New York Times

"What are people talking about they feel they need, that color can help to answer?

The New York Times

Lots of questions, and only Compton can begin to answer them.

The Guardian - Music

You can decline to answer, but then you come across as a troublemaker.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use "can answer" instead of "can to answer". The infinitive form after "can" does not require "to".

Common error

Do not add "to" after modal verbs like "can", "will", "should", and "must". Using "can to answer" introduces an unnecessary infinitive marker and creates a grammatically incorrect phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can to answer" is intended to express ability or possibility, but it's grammatically incorrect. The modal verb "can" is followed by the base form of a verb, not an infinitive. Ludwig AI points out that the correct form is "can answer".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "can to answer" appears in various sources, it's considered grammatically incorrect. According to Ludwig AI, the correct form is "can answer". This aims to express the ability or possibility to provide a response or solution. It's important to avoid using "can to answer", particularly in formal writing, and instead opt for grammatically correct alternatives like "can answer" or "able to answer". Although the analyzed examples provide context for the intended meaning, prioritizing correct grammar will enhance clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can answer

Omits the unnecessary "to", resulting in a grammatically correct and more concise phrase.

able to answer

Replaces "can" with "able", using the correct infinitive form.

am able to answer

Full verb phrase providing a more formal tone.

will be able to answer

Shifts the phrase to the future tense, indicating a future capability.

can provide answers

Rephrases the action to focus on giving answers instead of the ability to answer.

can give answers

Uses "give" instead of "provide" for a slightly more informal tone.

know the answer to

Expresses knowledge of the answer, rather than the ability to provide it.

have the answer to

Indicates possession of the answer, implying the ability to share it.

capable of answering

Replaces "can" with a more formal adjective and using the preposition "of".

in a position to answer

Specifies the circumstances that enable one to answer.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "can to answer"?

The correct way to express the ability to answer is to use "can answer". The word "to" is not needed after the modal verb "can".

Is "can to answer" grammatically correct?

No, "can to answer" is grammatically incorrect. The modal verb "can" should be followed directly by the base form of the verb, such as "can answer".

What can I say instead of "can to answer" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use "able to answer" or "am able to answer", depending on the context. These alternatives are grammatically correct and add a degree of formality.

What's the difference between "can answer" and "able to answer"?

"Can answer" is more direct and commonly used. "Able to answer" often implies a specific condition or capability that enables the answering. Both are grammatically correct, but "able to answer" can sound slightly more formal.