It can start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "It can start" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has the potential to begin or initiate an action or process. Example: "The meeting is scheduled for 10 AM, but it can start earlier if everyone is present."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It can start playing tricks on you.

The New York Times - Arts

It can start messing with your head".

The New York Times

"It can start the socialisation of inequality," she said.

Independent

It can start by putting the Ospreys someplace else.

The New York Times

It can start at any age, is progressive and inherited.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It can start with just a few small steps.

The New York Times

"It can start raining at 6 a.m. and go on for 24 hours," he said.

The New York Times - Science

It can start them back into the process where they re-engage with learning.

Independent

It can start by barring Mississippi from using the block-grant funds for the Gulfport project.

The New York Times

It can start within one or two months of giving birth.

The Guardian - Opinion

It can start with neighboring Pakistan, arguably the most dangerous country on earth.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "It can start" to introduce a possible beginning point or action, especially when outlining steps or potential outcomes. For example, "To improve your health, it can start with a simple walk each day".

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "It can start" as this can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives or combining sentences to enhance readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "It can start" functions as an initiatory expression, indicating the potential beginning of a process, event, or action. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

19%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "It can start" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the potential beginning of something. As Ludwig AI shows, it appears frequently in news and media, as well as in wiki and science contexts. The phrase is grammatically correct and serves the purpose of introducing possible actions or events. While various alternatives exist, such as "It may begin" or "It might commence", "It can start" offers a balanced tone suitable for a wide range of writing scenarios. Remember to avoid overuse in sequential instructions to maintain clarity and readability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It may begin

Replaces "can" with "may", suggesting a possibility rather than a certainty of starting.

It might commence

Substitutes "can start" with "might commence", conveying a slightly more formal tone and possibility.

It could initiate

Replaces "can start" with "could initiate", implying a potential to begin or set in motion.

It is able to begin

Expresses the ability to start using a more verbose construction.

It has the potential to start

Emphasizes the potential for something to begin.

It is liable to start

Suggests a tendency or likelihood for something to begin, often implying a negative consequence.

It is set to begin

Indicates a planned or scheduled commencement.

It will get underway

Uses "get underway" to mean begin or commence, often used for events or projects.

It is starting

Focuses on the present continuous tense indicating that something is in the process of beginning.

The onset may occur

Uses more formal language and refers specifically to the beginning of something, typically something negative like a disease.

FAQs

What does "It can start" mean in a sentence?

The phrase "It can start" indicates that something has the ability or potential to begin or commence. It suggests a possibility rather than a certainty.

How to use "It can start" in a sentence?

You can use "It can start" to introduce a possible action, process, or event. For instance, "The healing process "it can start" once the wound is cleaned properly."

What can I say instead of "It can start"?

You can use alternatives like "It may begin", "It might commence", or "it could initiate depending on the context you want to express.

When is it appropriate to use "It can start" versus "It will start"?

"It can start" implies a possibility or ability, while "It will start" indicates a certainty or a scheduled beginning. Use "It can start" when the commencement is not definite. For example: "The game "it can start" as soon as the rain stops" (possibility) versus "The presentation "it will start" at 2 PM" (certainty).