can expand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can expand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the potential for growth or increase in size, scope, or capacity of something. Example: "The company has plans to launch new products, which means our market reach can expand significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everyone can expand monetary policy together.

The New Yorker

Through stories, selfhood can expand.

University of California, Berkeley

A line extension can expand that promise.

Harvard Business Review

Companies in such markets can expand quickly.

Harvard Business Review

You can expand your audience across languages.

Stanford University

Rosters can expand to 40 players on Tuesday.

The New York Times - Sports

But he hopes the company can expand to other markets.

The New York Times

It can expand with little added expense, however.

The New York Times

And novels can expand where film has to compress.

The New York Times - Books

College can shrink your universe, or college can expand it.

The New York Times

The secretary can expand successful ideas nationwide without Congress's permission.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can expand" to indicate a potential for growth or an increase in scope, size, or capability. Be sure to provide context as to what can expand and under what conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "can expand" in vague or ambiguous contexts. Always specify what is expanding and the factors that facilitate this expansion. For example, instead of just saying "The market can expand", clarify with something like "The market can expand if we lower prices".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can expand" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility or potential. It combines the modal verb "can", expressing the ability or opportunity, with the verb "expand", signifying growth or increase. As shown in Ludwig, it's used in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

27%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can expand" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the potential for growth or increase across various domains. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage. It is commonly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts. When using "can expand", ensure you provide clear context regarding what is expanding and how this expansion occurs. Alternatives include "is able to broaden" and "has the capacity to grow", offering similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "can expand" in your writing to convey ideas of growth and potential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is able to broaden

Replaces "can" with "is able to", focusing on the capability rather than the possibility.

has the capacity to grow

Emphasizes the inherent potential for increase in size or scope.

is likely to extend

Suggests a high probability of growth or expansion.

may develop further

Implies future growth or evolution to a more advanced state.

could potentially increase

Highlights the possibility of augmentation or enlargement.

is poised to amplify

Indicates readiness and favorable conditions for significant growth or intensification.

has room to spread

Suggests available space or opportunity for expansion.

is set to inflate

Focuses on an increase in size, often used in a financial or economic context.

might enlarge its scope

Specifically refers to increasing the range or extent of something.

is positioned to scale

Suggests a deliberate strategy to grow in a measured and sustainable way, typically in a business context.

FAQs

How do I use "can expand" in a sentence?

Use "can expand" to express the potential for growth or increase. For example, "The company "can expand" its market share with strategic partnerships".

What are some alternatives to "can expand"?

You can use alternatives like "is able to broaden", "has the capacity to grow", or "is likely to extend" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "can expand" or "is able to expand"?

Both "can expand" and "is able to expand" are grammatically correct. "Can expand" is more concise and commonly used, while "is able to expand" emphasizes capability. The choice depends on the desired level of emphasis.

In what contexts is "can expand" most appropriate?

"Can expand" is appropriate in a wide range of contexts, including business, academia, and general conversation, when discussing potential growth, increased scope, or enhanced capabilities. For instance, "The team "can expand" its influence by publishing more research".