can dissolve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can dissolve" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the ability of a substance to break down or disintegrate in a solvent or to indicate the potential for something to be resolved or eliminated. Example: "Salt can dissolve in water, creating a saline solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They can dissolve parliament.

The Economist

As president, he can dissolve parliament on a whim.

The Economist

But mathematical proofs are extremely delicate structures that can dissolve at the merest touch.

The New York Times - Science

Normally self-confident professionals can dissolve into quivering bundles of neuroses.

The New York Times - Health

But if it does, Mr. Chen can dissolve the legislature and call early elections.

The New York Times

Some people feel that NATO has accomplished its purpose & can dissolve.

The New Yorker

Routines can dissolve entirely, and with them the divide between work and non-work.

The Guardian

But the fragile confidence of a kicker can dissolve over the slightest change in routine.

The New York Times - Sports

Government officials are eager to make progress before the political consensus that picked Yucca can dissolve.

The New York Times

Because our earnestness and our vanity beg for nothing less; only comedy can dissolve them.

The New Yorker

An acid that can dissolve portions of the rock is sometimes used in a similar manner.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can dissolve", ensure that the subject capable of dissolving and the substance being dissolved are clearly stated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "can dissolve" in contexts where the intended meaning is merely 'to mix' or 'blend'. "Dissolving" implies a substance breaking down into a solution, not just a physical combination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can dissolve" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the potential or ability of a substance to dissolve. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in both scientific and more abstract contexts, affirming its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can dissolve" is a versatile and grammatically correct verb phrase used to indicate the ability of a substance to dissolve or, more abstractly, to resolve an issue. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability, supported by numerous examples from diverse sources. The phrase appears most frequently in scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using "can dissolve", ensure the subject and object are clear, and avoid using it when you simply mean 'mix'. Alternatives like "is able to dissolve" or "has the capacity to dissolve" offer more formal options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is able to dissolve

Replaces the contraction "can" with its expanded form "is able to", maintaining the same meaning.

has the capacity to dissolve

Substitutes "can" with "has the capacity to", emphasizing the capability to dissolve.

is capable of dissolving

Similar to "has the capacity to dissolve", this emphasizes the ability to dissolve something.

will dissolve

Indicates a future action, suggesting that something will dissolve under certain conditions.

dissolves readily

Focuses on the ease with which something dissolves.

is soluble in

A more formal way of saying that something can be dissolved in a particular substance.

permits dissolution

Emphasizes that something allows or facilitates the dissolving process.

facilitates disintegration

Shifts the focus to the act of breaking down or disintegrating, rather than dissolving.

aids in decomposition

Emphasizes the process of decay or breakdown.

promotes breakdown

Similar to "aids in decomposition", but more broadly applicable to any type of breakdown.

FAQs

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

You can use "can dissolve" to describe a substance's ability to break down in a solvent, such as "Salt "can dissolve" in water" or to indicate something being resolved, like "Comedy "can dissolve" tension".

What's a more formal alternative to "can dissolve"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "is able to dissolve" or "has the capacity to dissolve" in scientific or technical writing.

When is it incorrect to use "can dissolve"?

It's incorrect to use "can dissolve" if you simply mean 'to mix' or 'blend'. "Can dissolve" specifically implies a substance breaking down into a solution, not just a physical combination.

What substances are commonly said to "can dissolve"?

Common examples include salt, which "can dissolve" in water; certain metals that "can dissolve" in acid; and certain solids that "can dissolve" in specific solvents.