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editing, Overuse of the Word Can, Strong Verbs, Strong Words, Weak Verbs, Weak Words, writers, writing, Writing Advice, writing tips
I can do the Can-Can, can you do the Can-Can . . .
“Can” is another one of those words that creeps its way into my writing when my back is turned. It is hard to type when one’s back is turned, but you know what I mean.
“Can” hides as “can’t” too, so be careful.
This time, instead of silly made-up sentences as examples, I give you sentences torn from my manuscript before I edited out the “can.”
I can express myself in every dish I create.
Can you really? Then why don’t you?
I express myself in every dish I create.
~~~~~
A delicious meal has magical powers that can make a bad day into a good one.
Ooh. What’s for dinner?
A delicious meal’s magical power transforms a bad day into a good one.
~~~~~
French women can throw on a simple black dress and string of pearls and look as though they are Coco Chanel’s best friend.
That is how I look too.
When I throw on a simple black dress and string of pearls, I look as though I am Coco Chanel’s best friend.
~~~~~
Mushrooms can give sauces an earthy flavor.
You do know what mushrooms are grown in, don’t you?
Mushrooms infuse sauces with an earthy flavor.
~~~~~
I can’t tell you the difference between portobello and a chanterelle mushrooms.
Me either.
The difference between portobello and chanterelle mushrooms mystifies me.
A word of caution ~ Don’t be tempted to change “can” to the wordy “is able to,” “has the ability to,” or “is capable of.”
Sometimes you don’t need the word “can” at all. Other times, the simple solution is to find a rigorous verb to put in its place.
For advice on other words that sneak into your writing, clink on the links below:
- I Have a Problem with “That”
- Sneaky Little Words for the word GOT
- Strong vs Weak Words for the word WENT
- Strong vs Weak Words – Part 2 for the word PEOPLE
- Strong vs Weak Words – Part 3 for the words THING and STUFF
- Strong vs Weak Words – Part 4 for the words GO and GOING
- Strong vs Weak Words – Part 5 for the words ALWAYS and NEVER
- Strong vs Weak Words – Part 6 for the words PRETTY, SURE, and CERTAIN
- Strong vs Weak Words – Part 7 for the word HAD and HAVE
- Strong vs Weak Words – Part 8 for the word JUST
- Strong vs Weak Words – Part 9 for the word ALL
- Strong vs Weak Words – Part 10 for INDEFINITE NUMBERS
- Strong vs Weak Words – Part 11 for the word USE
- Moldy Verbs, Adverbs, and Intensifiers
Robin Coyle 
“Can’t” reminds me of a writing seminar I went to many decades ago where the seminar leader discussed negative versus positive writing. For example:
I don’t think I’ve ever done that. — Try thinking, then.
I think I’ve never done that.
What do you think?
Excellent. Can’t is akin to the issue i wrote about with “didn’t”
Soon, I shall have no verbs and will be speechless. Ha ha, another good one.
So sorry. I “can’t” help it.
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I’ve done a quick check and mine are nearly all in dialogue too. Still going to obliterate them where possible.
I love how we obliterate, nuke, and destroy the words we once loved (or liked) enough to put on paper.
Useful as always!
Thank you. I’ve more up my sleeve!
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Hmm, not noticed “can” in much of my fiction before, other than dialogue, but I shall have to check it out.
Let me know what you find. I’m curious.
The can-can is a no-no.
Got it. 🙂
Ha ha! Good one. That should have been the post’s title.
You are a novel tightening genius, Robin.
You flatter me, but thank you so much!
What IntrovertedSarah said. A novel-tightening genius. I’m not writing a novel but you’ve still helped me clean up my writing a ton.
Can I adopt the two of you? You are both so sweet! You made my day.
Boy! Reading this weak word posts and do I have a lot of editing to do?!
Me too! Wait til I do the post on the verb “to be.” Oy vey.
Most of my “can”s are in dialogue, so I guess that’s the good part. The bad part is, there are still too many. 🙂
JM said the same thing, but as I replied to her, the “cans” in my dialog were tossed. I guess It depends on the tone and context.
It’s always tricky with dialogue, because you want to make it realistic–how people would actually speak–but you don’t want to overuse these weak words. Another good post to ponder. 🙂
Can do, ma’am… oops… I mean, consider it done! Ahh.That feels better already
That made me laugh. It is funny how we are talking in “code” with the words I’ve pointed out in this series.
Now I want to write a short story with all those weak words, intentionally. 🙂 Hehehe
Okay, *some* must stay in dialogue. But many more must disappear…. 🙂
The “cans” in my dialog were tossed in the trash “can” (hahaha, I’m so funny), but I guess it depends on the tone and context of the dialog.
You are always quick to come up with creative sentences. I dislike can/ can’t also. The Elements of Style recommends not using at all because not only is it a weak word, it suggests a weakness in the personality of the sentence. I like the can-can addition as well!
I need to pull out Mr. Strunk and Mr. White to see what they say on this matter. I’m glad I am keeping good company with this one!
“I can do the Can-Can . . . ” is stuck in my head. Drat.
Wonderful. I enjoy replying “I don’t know can you?” When asked “Can I …”
Such a simple concept yet it seems to confuse so many people.
Yes it can. I mean . . . yes indeed!
Ha – whenever my students ask me, “Miss, can I go to the toilet?” I always reply in a rather pedantic fashion. Sometimes I say, “Well by this stage in your life, I certainly hope so.” Or I might say something like, “Are you looking for a little assurance and support here…” Sometimes I just say, “You’re asking the question incorrectly. But the answer’s no.” Mwoh ha ha! 🙂
Oh yes! I should have included the can vs may issue. Thanks for bringing it up! And, you are an evil teacher.
Totally evil. Super evil. I love it! 🙂
Please find a way to turn this into a book. I want to be able to flick through it as I re-re-redraft my book! 🙂