can you trust

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can you trust" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when questioning the reliability or credibility of a person, source, or information. Example: "Before making a decision based on this information, you should ask yourself: can you trust the source?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What can you trust?

The New Yorker

"Can you trust me?

The New Yorker

Can you trust the country?

The Economist

Can you trust their signals?

The New York Times

CAN you trust Chinese accounts?

The Economist

Who can you trust, and why can you trust them?

The New York Times

So who can you trust?

The Guardian

Can you trust these people?

The New York Times - Sports

"How can you trust anybody?

The Guardian

"How can you trust the system?

The New York Times

Can you trust your Muslim neighbour?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when using "can you trust". In formal settings, opt for alternatives like "is it reliable" or "can you depend on" to maintain a professional tone.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "can you trust" in situations where a lack of trust is assumed without warrant. Constant questioning can create a sense of paranoia and undermine relationships. For example, instead of repeatedly asking "Can you trust the media?", provide specific examples of bias and analyze them objectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can you trust" primarily functions as an interrogative clause used to question the reliability, honesty, or credibility of a person, entity, or piece of information. As Ludwig AI states, it prompts a critical evaluation, aligning with examples where skepticism is warranted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can you trust" is a grammatically sound and frequently used interrogative phrase that serves to question the reliability or credibility of a subject. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the phrase encourages critical thinking and assessment. Appearing predominantly in news, media, and wiki contexts, its usage spans a range of formality levels, though alternatives are available for maintaining a professional tone. To ensure clarity, specify the object of trust, avoid overgeneralization, and consider the context. Overall, understanding how to effectively use this phrase—and when to use alternatives—is crucial for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can you depend on

Directly asks about the reliability of someone or something.

are they reliable

Poses a question about someone's consistency and trustworthiness.

should you rely on

Highlights the act of depending on someone or something.

are they dependable

Inquires about someone's overall dependability.

is it safe to believe

Emphasizes the safety aspect of trusting someone or something.

is it reasonable to depend on

Questions the rationale behind depending on a person or thing.

how credible are they

Shifts focus to the assessment of credibility.

is it wise to confide in

Focuses on the prudence of sharing personal information.

is it justified to have faith in

Asks whether trust is warranted.

is it safe to put faith in

Focuses on the safety of placing confidence in something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "can you trust" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "is it reliable", "is it dependable", or "can you depend on" to maintain a professional tone.

What does it mean when someone asks "can you trust"?

It usually means they are questioning the reliability, honesty, or credibility of a person, source, or piece of information. It invites critical evaluation and skepticism.

Is there a difference between "can you trust" and "should you trust"?

"Can you trust" inquires about the inherent qualities that make something trustworthy. "Should you trust" also considers external factors, potential consequences, and ethical implications. While '"can you trust"' is about reliability, '"should you trust"' introduces a moral or practical dimension.

How to use "can you trust" in a sentence?

You can use "can you trust" to question the reliability or credibility of someone or something. For example, "Before investing, ask yourself: "can you trust" the source of this financial advice?"