Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

i can takes

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "i can takes" is not correct in written English.
The correct form would be "I can take." Example: "I can take care of that task for you."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mr. Hoagland's comment that getting "too hung up on emotions" would make his work suffer — "I have to use that shield as much as I can" — takes on an extra resonance when you know that his father, John Hoagland, was killed in El Salvador in 1984 while taking photographs for Newsweek.

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I can take burning.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"I can take anything.

News & Media

Independent

I can take over".

News & Media

The New Yorker

"I can take the lumps".

News & Media

The New York Times

"Yeah, I can take this.

News & Media

The New York Times

I can take us further".

News & Media

The New Yorker

I can take my knocks.

News & Media

The New Yorker

I can take getting cut.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"I can take the abuse.

News & Media

Independent

I can take him".

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the base form of a verb (e.g., "take", "go", "see") after modal verbs like "can", "could", "should", "will", and "must".

Common error

Avoid using the third-person singular form of a verb (ending in -s, -es, -ies) after modal verbs. For example, it's incorrect to say "I can takes"; the correct form is "I can take".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

1.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i can takes" is an attempt to express ability or permission. However, it's grammatically incorrect. The modal verb "can" must be followed by the base form of the verb (take), not the third-person singular form (takes). Ludwig AI confirms this grammatical error.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "i can takes" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "I can take". As Ludwig AI points out, modal verbs like "can" should always be followed by the base form of the verb. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid "i can takes" in both formal and informal writing. Alternatives such as "I am able to take" or "I am permitted to take" can be used depending on the intended meaning.

FAQs

How do I properly use "can" in a sentence?

The word "can" is a modal verb that expresses ability or possibility. It is always followed by the base form of another verb. For example, "I can sing", "She can dance", or "We can go".

What is the correct form: "I can take" or "I can takes"?

"I can take" is the correct form. Modal verbs like "can" are always followed by the base form of the verb. "I can takes" is grammatically incorrect.

Are there alternatives to the phrase "I can take"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "I am able to take", "I am permitted to take", or "I have the ability to take", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "I can take" and "I could take"?

"I can take" generally refers to a present ability or possibility. "I could take", on the other hand, can refer to a past ability, a conditional possibility, or a more polite request. The nuance depends on the context.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

1.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: