can encompass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can encompass" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something includes or covers a range of elements or ideas. Example: "The study can encompass various aspects of human behavior, including social interactions and decision-making processes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No show can encompass it.

The New York Times - Arts

It can encompass many things.

The Guardian

A single order can encompass many people's records.

The Guardian

"It can encompass anything that they disagree with".

The New York Times

"One story can encompass cannibalism, incest, greed," he told me.

The New York Times

Goals can encompass both environmental and human socioeconomic dimensions.

Encyclopedia of Ocean Sciences

Treatment of severe epistaxis can encompass many modalities.

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

This can encompass anything from getting dressed to catching a bus.

The Guardian

Today, only a library catalogue can encompass the potential scope of printed knowledge and sentiment.

The Guardian - Books

Reading the "Iliad," we approach the very limits of what heart and mind can encompass.

The New York Times

This can encompass, but is not limited to … psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can encompass" when you want to convey that something has a wide scope or includes a variety of elements. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "can encompass" in simple sentences where a more direct verb like "includes" or "covers" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can encompass" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating the potential or ability of something to include or cover a wide range of elements or aspects. Ludwig AI validates this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

30%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can encompass" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase that indicates the potential to include or cover a wide range of elements. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is widely used across diverse domains, including news, science, and academia. While interchangeable with terms like "can include" or "can cover", it uniquely emphasizes a broader scope. Keep in mind to avoid overuse in overly simplistic sentences where a more direct verb would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can include

Focuses on listing items contained within, rather than the broader scope of coverage.

can cover

Emphasizes the extent to which something addresses or deals with a topic.

can comprise

Highlights the components that make up a whole, with a slightly more formal tone.

can involve

Suggests participation or engagement of different elements.

can contain

Implies holding or including something within its boundaries.

can incorporate

Focuses on the integration of different parts into a unified whole.

can embrace

Suggests a willing acceptance and inclusion of something.

can embody

Highlights the expression or representation of something in a tangible form.

can subsume

Indicates the inclusion of something under a broader category or classification.

can encapsulate

Focuses on capturing the essence or key aspects of something in a concise way.

FAQs

How to use "can encompass" in a sentence?

The phrase "can encompass" suggests that something includes a wide range of elements. For instance, "The project "can encompass" various aspects of environmental conservation" indicates that the project deals with many different facets of conservation.

What can I say instead of "can encompass"?

You can use alternatives like "can include", "can cover", or "can comprise" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "can encompass" or "can includes"?

"Can encompass" is the grammatically correct phrase. "Can includes" is incorrect because "include" in this context requires the base form after the modal verb "can". "Encompass" functions as a verb, whereas "includes" is the third-person singular present tense.

What's the difference between "can encompass" and "can include"?

"Can encompass" suggests a broader scope and a more comprehensive coverage than "can include". While both indicate inclusion, "can encompass" implies that the subject covers a wide range of related elements, whereas "can include" simply lists some of the elements it contains.