can construct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can construct" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability to build, create, or develop something, whether it be physical structures, ideas, or concepts. Example: "With the right materials and tools, we can construct a durable bridge that will last for decades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I can construct, transform this society".

The New York Times

You also need to ensure children can construct letters correctly.

The Guardian

We can construct defences in our own minds against terror.

The Guardian

This means that travelling professors can construct multi-discipline cases.

The Economist

"Yet you can construct a picture of the Hamptons from reading what Dan writes".

The New York Times

Moreover, to economize on land resources, Japan can construct offshore windmills.

The New York Times

The pact limits the defensive systems that Washington and Moscow can construct.

The New York Times

You can construct your own "restaurant space" describing the dining in your neighborhood.

The New York Times - Science

I can construct a narrative from that moment onward that conveniently depicts his demise.

The New York Times

He can construct poems like nobody else, but his works are completely incomprehensible and repulsive".

The Guardian - Books

Each hospital and health-care organization can construct its own type of monitoring system.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can construct" when you want to emphasize the ability to build or create something complex, whether it's a physical structure, an argument, or a system.

Common error

Avoid using "can construct" in contexts where simpler verbs like "build" or "make" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can construct" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating the ability or possibility to build, create, or assemble something. Ludwig AI analysis shows it is used across various domains, emphasizing the capability to form complex entities or systems. The examples from Ludwig highlight its use in both physical and abstract contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can construct" is a versatile modal verb phrase indicating the ability or potential to build or create. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread usage across diverse fields, particularly in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias. While grammatically correct, it's best suited for contexts where the construction process is deliberate and often complex. For simpler scenarios, alternatives like "can build" or "can create" might be more appropriate. In summary, "can construct" is a valuable tool for expressing capability, especially when the subject involves intricate creations or systems.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are able to build

Emphasizes the ability to build, focusing on capability.

have the capacity to create

Highlights the potential to create, suggesting inherent capability.

are in a position to assemble

Implies readiness and the right circumstances for assembling something.

possess the means to develop

Stresses the resources or tools available for development.

are equipped to fabricate

Focuses on the preparation and equipment needed for fabrication.

can put together

A more informal way of saying "can construct", implying simplicity.

have what it takes to erect

Emphasizes the necessary qualities or skills for erecting something.

are capable of formulating

Focuses on the intellectual act of formulating an idea or plan.

can devise

Implies ingenuity and inventiveness in creating something.

are empowered to establish

Highlights the authority or permission to establish something.

FAQs

How can I use "can construct" in a sentence?

You can use "can construct" to describe the ability to build or create something, like: "Engineers "can construct" bridges", or "Philosophers "can construct" arguments".

What can I say instead of "can construct"?

Alternatives to "can construct" include "are able to build", "have the capacity to create", or "can put together", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "can build" or "can construct"?

"Can build" is generally more common and less formal. "Can construct" is more appropriate when referring to complex or intricate creations or systems.

What is the difference between "can construct" and "can create"?

"Can create" is a broader term encompassing any form of bringing something into existence. "Can construct" specifically implies building or assembling something from different parts or ideas.