surely can

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "surely can" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong belief or confidence that something is possible or likely to happen. Example: "With her determination and skills, she surely can achieve her goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Yet if the rivers remain the same, one surely can step in twice not into the same waters, to be sure, but into the same rivers.

SEP

Well, we surely can.

The New York Times

This, surely, can only be a good thing.

The Guardian - Books

With continued help, we surely can beat that target.

The New York Times - Science

They humanise our online experience and that, surely, can only be a :-) :-) thing.

Independent

"If research can help us discover cures for diseases, it surely can improve a football team.

The Guardian - Sport

We have terrorists we want to convict; we should, and surely can, do it right.

The New Yorker

I can't say 'sorry' on behalf of Australia, but the prime minister surely can".

The New York Times - Sports

Raikkonen, surely, can be relied on to be fast and consistent once more.

The Guardian - Sport

But those who are starting now surely can get some good competitive advantage.

The Guardian

As you surely can at many other institutions that don't crack the top of the U.S. News rankings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a tone of objective assertion, consider using "certainly can" as a more formal alternative to "surely can".

Common error

While "surely can" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing or professional communications. Opt for more neutral phrases like "certainly can" or "undoubtedly can" to maintain a more objective tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surely can" functions as an adverbial intensifier modifying the auxiliary verb "can". It expresses a high degree of confidence or certainty about the possibility or ability to do something. As Ludwig AI points out, it asserts a strong belief in a potential outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "surely can" is a common and grammatically sound way to express confidence in a possibility. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While it leans toward a neutral-to-informal register, more formal alternatives exist for professional settings. When using "surely can", ensure it aligns with the desired tone and level of formality for effective communication. The many examples provided by Ludwig show the breadth of applications of "surely can" in modern english.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

certainly can

Emphasizes confidence with a direct affirmation.

definitely can

Highlights a clear and distinct possibility.

undoubtedly can

Conveys a sense of inevitability and lack of doubt.

assuredly can

Suggests a firm and confident assurance.

absolutely can

Indicates a complete and unconditional possibility.

naturally can

Implies that something is expected or logical.

easily can

Highlights the lack of difficulty in achieving something.

readily can

Emphasizes the availability and willingness to do something.

conceivably can

Suggests that something is possible, though perhaps not likely.

feasibly can

Indicates that something is practical and achievable.

FAQs

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

"Surely can" is used to express confidence that something is possible or will happen. For example, "With dedication, she "surely can" achieve her goals."

What are some alternatives to "surely can"?

Alternatives to "surely can" include "certainly can", "definitely can", or "undoubtedly can", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "surely can" and "certainly can"?

While both phrases express confidence, "certainly can" may be perceived as more formal and objective, while "surely can" carries a slightly more subjective or emphatic tone.

When is it appropriate to use "surely can" in writing?

"Surely can" is appropriate in contexts where you want to express a strong belief or expectation about a possibility. It is suitable for both informal and moderately formal settings, but may be less appropriate for highly formal or academic writing.