can harness

USAGE SUMMARY

"can harness" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in a sentence to describe the action of controlling or exploiting a resource for a specific purpose. For example, "We can harness the power of the sun's energy to create renewable electricity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I can harness solar.

The New Yorker

Oh, I can harness the wind.

The New Yorker

Companies that can harness big data will trample data-incompetents.

The Economist

"You can harness the same effect for positive ends.

The Guardian - Tech

Unless Stem subjects can harness female talent, the future will shine only half as bright.

The Guardian

It's up to him whether he can harness that for the long slog".

The New York Times

Today, she senses they understand that they can harness their fame for good.

Independent

During his talk in Philadelphia, he offered practical tips on how inventors can harness their ideas.

The New York Times

The big companies are trying to work out how they can harness the internet.

The Economist

As a super PAC, Ready for Hillary can harness unlimited dollars for its efforts.

The New York Times

The next step is to develop treatment that can harness the health properties of fat".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can harness", ensure you clearly specify what is being harnessed and for what purpose to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "can harness" when the subject is not actively controlling or utilizing the resource. For example, instead of saying "The energy can harness itself", rephrase to "We "can harness" the energy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can harness" functions as a verb phrase indicating the ability or potential to control and utilize something effectively. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can harness" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that indicates the ability to control and utilize something effectively. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and applicable in various contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Science, suggesting its relevance in both reporting on current events and discussing scientific advancements. While versatile, it's important to specify what is being harnessed and for what purpose to ensure clarity and avoid misuse in passive constructions. Alternatives include "able to utilize" and "capable of exploiting", each offering slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can tap into

Implies accessing a resource, often one that's readily available, offering a slightly less forceful approach than "can harness".

is able to draw on

Focuses on using a resource for support or advantage, highlighting reliance in a way that "can harness" does not.

able to utilize

Focuses on the capability to use something, differing from "can harness" which implies active control.

in a position to leverage

Emphasizes the strategic advantage gained from using something, adding a layer of planning not explicit in "can harness".

is empowered to mobilize

Suggests having the authority and means to activate something, adding a dimension of agency and action not explicit in "can harness".

capable of exploiting

Highlights the potential to take advantage of something, suggesting a more opportunistic approach than "can harness".

possesses the ability to control

Highlights both ownership and skill in managing something, differing from "can harness" in its emphasis on both possession and command.

equipped to channel

Suggests directing something towards a specific purpose, highlighting a controlled flow unlike the broader implication of "can harness".

has the means to exploit

Focuses on the availability of resources needed for exploitation, adding a conditional aspect not present in "can harness".

knows how to direct

Emphasizes the understanding and skill in guiding something, placing focus on the process rather than the act of harnessing itself.

FAQs

How do you use "can harness" in a sentence?

The phrase "can harness" indicates the ability to control and utilize something effectively. For example, "Scientists "can harness" solar energy to power homes".

What are some alternatives to "can harness"?

You can use alternatives like "able to utilize", "capable of exploiting", or "in a position to leverage", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Alternatives include also phrases like "able to draw on".

Which is correct, "can harness" or "could harness"?

"Can harness" indicates a present ability or possibility, while "could harness" suggests a potential or past ability. The choice depends on the context. For example, "They "can harness" it" vs "They could "can harness" it".

What does it mean to "can harness" something?

To "can harness" something means to control and make use of it, often implying the channeling of power or resources for a specific outcome. For example, companies "can harness" big data to improve their marketing strategies.