Timeline for Using "can" as a regular verb: Unable to can
Current License: CC BY-SA 4.0
10 events
| when toggle format | what | by | license | comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 29 at 19:13 | comment | added | Konrad Viltersten | @StuartF Yes, we agree with that sentiment entirely. And, indeed, we're using it now all the time when stuck on stupid stuff preventing us from staying motivated. We were simply curious if it sounded weirdly due to not being common or not being correct. Thanks to James' answer, we not know. Thanks to all who contributed or at least tried to. :) | |
| May 27 at 7:48 | comment | added | Stuart F | If you want to sound intentionally weird then it doesn't matter if it's grammatical. It's common to use idioms and other phrases that are strictly ungrammatical, like "no can do". | |
| May 26 at 16:46 | comment | added | Kate Bunting | James's answer covers this. It's technically grammatical, but a very odd thing to say. | |
| May 26 at 16:40 | comment | added | Konrad Viltersten | @KateBunting I see. That point swooshed over my head, regrettably. I understand now, though, the intended message. Thanks. However, I wonder... While I definitely wouldn't say what you wrote above, I could (stylistics and weirdness aside) say I'm unable to be able to..., couldn't I? I mean, ...to am able... is just so wrong. But the modified version... What do you think? | |
| May 26 at 12:57 | comment | added | Kate Bunting | I mentioned it to show you that can is completely wrong here grammatically. You wouldn't say "I'm unable to am able to", would you? | |
| May 26 at 9:25 | vote | accept | Konrad Viltersten | ||
| May 26 at 9:24 | comment | added | Konrad Viltersten | @KateBunting Yes, that's correct. I'm not entirely certain, though, why you mentioned that. As I explained in the question (or at least tried to), we're aware of more natural, conventional and intuitive formulations. The thing was to use an uncommon phrasing in order to disarm a tense situation in a amusing way (which, by the way, succeeded). We'll be using that phrase regardless but were curious if it's grammatically correct. | |
| May 26 at 7:40 | comment | added | Kate Bunting | Since I can means I am able to, it would be sufficient to say "I'm unable to." | |
| May 26 at 7:15 | answer | added | James K | timeline score: 6 | |
| May 26 at 6:45 | history | asked | Konrad Viltersten | CC BY-SA 4.0 |