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I can do but I can't vs I would but I can't

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings and contexts. 'I can do but I can't' implies that the speaker is capable of doing something but is unable to do it for some reason. On the other hand, 'I would but I can't' suggests that the speaker is willing to do something but is unable to do it. The choice between the two phrases depends on the intended meaning.

Last updated: March 25, 2024

I can do but I can't

This phrase is correct and can be used to express the idea that the speaker is capable of doing something but is unable to do it for some reason.

This phrase is used to convey a sense of ability and limitation in doing something. It implies that the speaker has the capability to perform a task but is currently unable to do so.

Examples:

I can do the work, but I can't do it today.
She can cook, but she can't bake.
He can swim, but he can't dive.
They can speak French, but they can't write it.
We can help, but we can't stay long.

Show examples from the web [+]

I can do baby, or I can do geezer murder mystery but I can't do both.
I do but I can't say.
I can try, but I can't promise anything.
But I can't rely on just that.
But I can't just go home and forget about it.
I do but I can't say. I'm sworn to secrecy.
I really do but I can't right now.
I do what I can for that boy, but I can't ben him all the time.
I can always have more children, but I can't make crops grow where the soil is dead.
I can fix a lot of things, but I can't fix that.
I can open the portal, but I can't set a destination.
I wish I can walk away, but I can't.
I can do a lot, Quinn, but I can't control the weather.
Like, I can remember stuff, but I can't control it.
I can order Jordan Chase CDs, but I can't talk to an actual person.
I can feel sorry for him, but I can't feel any amount of respect or...
I can tell her Daisy's worried, but I can't do more than that.
It's like I can see the words, but I can't make them obey me.
You think that, with all my contacts, I can make this safe but I can't.
And I feel like I'm working with one eye because I can see it, but I can't get a sense of the whole thing.

Alternatives:

I am able to do it, but I can't.
I have the capability, but I can't.
I possess the skill, but I can't.
I have the ability, but I can't.
I am competent, but I can't.

I would but I can't

This phrase is correct and can be used to express the idea that the speaker is willing to do something but is unable to do it.

This phrase is used to convey a sense of willingness and limitation in doing something. It implies that the speaker is ready or inclined to perform a task but is currently unable to do so.

Examples:

I would help, but I can't.
She would come, but she can't.
He would join us, but he can't.
They would participate, but they can't.
We would contribute, but we can't.

Show examples from the web [+]

I would but I can't be sure you won't call the police.
Just Leave. I would but I can't be sure you won't call the police.
I would, but I can't this time.
I would, but I can't deny I'd prefer one of my own.
If I could, I would, but I can't fly around looking for red roofs and lavender.
If I could sing a lick, in any human way possible, I would, but I can't.
I would, but I can't look at you when I'm sober.
I would've, but I can't get a hold of him.
I would stand, but I can't really do that anymore.
I would love to, but I can't.
I would have left, but I can't leave Frederick with Magnolia.
I would love to, but I can't.
I would, really, but I can't do this.
I would love to, but I can't right now, because I am in a severe state of undress.
I would like to, but I can't help feeling you have an ulterior motive.
I would love to, but I can't do that unilaterally.
I would love to, but I can't just run away and join the circus.
You all wish I would give up, but I can't.
You know I can't. I would, but I can't.
If Jiro told me to sell it to them I would... but I can't sell it to them just because they ask for it.

Alternatives:

I am willing to do it, but I can't.
I am ready to do it, but I can't.
I am inclined to do it, but I can't.
I am prepared to do it, but I can't.
I am eager to do it, but I can't.

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