he can shoot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he can shoot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate someone's ability to shoot, whether in a sports context, such as basketball or shooting sports, or in a more general sense. Example: "In the final moments of the game, everyone knew that he can shoot from beyond the arc."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He can shoot, edit.

The New York Times

He can shoot from distance.

The New York Times - Sports

He can shoot well.

The New York Times - Sports

Plus, he can shoot better than Hammond".

The New York Times - Sports

"He can shoot with both feet.

Independent

He can shoot from almost 30 feet.

The New York Times - Sports

He can fly, he can shoot.

The New York Times

He can shoot with both hands.

The Guardian - Sport

"He can shoot from anywhere on the court".

The New York Times - Sports

"We all know he can shoot and he can score.

The New York Times

He can shoot the ball with the best of them".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's abilities, use "he can shoot" to indicate a general capability or potential. For instance, "he can shoot from long range" clearly states his ability to perform that action.

Common error

While it's tempting to use more complex phrasing, "he can shoot" is often the most direct and effective way to convey the message. Overly formal alternatives can sound unnatural in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he can shoot" functions as a statement of ability or potential. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. It combines a pronoun, a modal verb indicating possibility or permission, and a verb describing an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

2%

Forbes

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he can shoot" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate someone's ability to shoot, often in sports or action-oriented contexts. According to Ludwig AI, it is simple, effective, and widely understood. The phrase appears most commonly in News & Media sources, suggesting its use in reporting and general communication. While alternatives exist for different levels of formality or emphasis, "he can shoot" remains a versatile and clear choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

He's capable of shooting

Replaces "can" with "is capable of", emphasizing ability.

He has the ability to shoot

Uses "has the ability", highlighting a possessed skill.

He is able to shoot

Substitutes "can" with "is able", indicating competence.

He knows how to shoot

Focuses on the knowledge and skill to perform the action.

Shooting is something he can do

Rephrases to emphasize shooting as one of his capabilities.

He is a shooter

Simplifies to identify him as someone who shoots.

He's got a good shot

Highlights the quality of his shooting ability.

Shooting is one of his skills

Positions shooting as a specific skill he possesses.

He demonstrates proficiency in shooting

Formally expresses his skill in shooting.

He excels at shooting

Emphasizes his exceptional skill in shooting.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, you might say "he is capable of shooting" or "he possesses the ability to shoot". These options elevate the language while retaining the original meaning.

What does it mean when someone says "he can shoot"?

It generally means the person has the ability or skill to shoot something, whether it's a basketball, a puck, or a projectile from a weapon. The exact meaning depends on the context.

Is it correct to say "he can to shoot" instead of "he can shoot"?

No, "he can to shoot" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "he can shoot", where "can" is a modal verb and directly precedes the base form of the verb "shoot".

What are some similar phrases to "he can shoot" that highlight different aspects of the ability?

You could use phrases like "he is a shooter" to focus on identity or "he excels at shooting" to emphasize skill level.