he can do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he can do" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to express someone's ability or capability to perform an action. Example: "He can do anything he sets his mind to." Alternative expressions include "he is able to" and "he has the ability to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He can do that.

The New York Times - Magazine

He can do anything".

The New York Times - Sports

He can do better.

The New York Times

"He can do the job.

Independent

"But he can do it.

The New York Times - Sports

He can do it all".

The New York Times - Sports

"He can do it, yes.

Independent

Everything else, he can do.

The New York Times - Sports

He can do pastoral peace.

Independent

And he can do that.

The New Yorker

There's nothing he can do.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he can do" to directly state someone's ability or potential. This simple construction is effective in most contexts.

Common error

Ensure that the pronoun "he" is clearly defined within the context to avoid confusion. If there are multiple male figures present, specify who "he" refers to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he can do" functions as a simple declarative statement expressing someone's ability or capacity to perform an action. It's straightforward, direct, and commonly used in everyday language, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

14%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he can do" is a versatile and frequently used expression to indicate someone's capability or potential. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While maintaining a generally neutral tone, it is essential to ensure clarity in pronoun reference. For more formal settings, consider alternative phrases such as "he is capable of" or "he is able to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is capable of

Emphasizes inherent ability or potential.

he is able to

Highlights the capacity or means to perform an action.

he has the ability to

Focuses on the possession of a specific skill or competence.

he is equipped to

Suggests preparedness or the provision of necessary tools/skills.

he is in a position to

Implies having the necessary circumstances or authority.

he is competent to

Highlights the subject's qualification or suitability.

he knows how to

Emphasizes the subject's knowledge of the procedure involved.

he has what it takes to

Informal expression implying the necessary qualities for success.

he is skilled at

Focuses on a specific skill the subject possesses.

he is up to

Suggests capability or fitness to tackle a task

FAQs

How can I rephrase "he can do" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "he is capable of", "he is able to", or "he possesses the ability to" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "he can do it" grammatically correct?

Yes, "he can do it" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English sentence structure with a subject ("he"), a modal verb ("can"), and a verb ("do") with a direct object ("it").

What's the difference between "he can do" and "he could do"?

"He can do" expresses a present ability or possibility. "He could do", on the other hand, can express past ability, a polite request, or a conditional possibility. For example, "He can do it now" vs "He could do it if he tried".

What are some examples of how to use "he can do" in a sentence?

Examples include: "He can do anything he sets his mind to", "He can do the job effectively", and "He can do better with more practice".