can makes

USAGE SUMMARY

'can makes' is not correct.
'Can make' is the correct form of this phrase. You can use 'can make' to express the idea that something is possible. For example, "A strong work ethic can make a huge difference in your career success."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Koren (CAN) 5pts 12. Bodnar (CAN) 4pts 13.

The Guardian - Sport

Sabatini (CAN) 2pts 15.

The Guardian - Sport

Moser (CAN) 6pts 11.

The Guardian - Sport

Sagan (CAN) 3pts 14.

The Guardian - Sport

B. Scott (Can).4 B. Skari (Nor).

Encyclopedia Britannica

WHAT can £3 billion ($4.7 billion) buy?

The Economist

How can S3 help me?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

You can hit.300 in your sleep.

The New York Times - Sports

You can 3D print a kidney.

The Guardian - Opinion

You can 3D print a gun.

The Guardian - Opinion

What else can 3D printers make?

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the base form of the verb after the modal verb "can". The correct structure is "can + base form of verb".

Common error

Avoid using the "-s" ending on the verb following "can". The form "can makes" is grammatically incorrect; always use "can make".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can makes" is an incorrect grammatical construction. The modal verb "can" always requires the base form of the verb. Thus, its intended function to express ability or possibility fails due to grammatical error, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can makes" is grammatically incorrect. The modal verb "can" must be followed by the base form of the verb, making "can make" the correct usage. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase's intended purpose—to express ability or possibility—is undermined by this grammatical error. Due to its incorrectness, no authoritative sources or clear usage patterns exist. Therefore, it's crucial to always use "can" with the base form of the verb.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is able to make

Replaces the modal verb "can" with "is able to", providing a grammatically correct alternative that emphasizes ability.

has the ability to make

Rephrases the concept using "has the ability to", which explicitly indicates capability or potential.

is capable of making

Uses "is capable of" to convey the meaning of being equipped or qualified to perform a specific action.

can create

Substitutes "make" with "create" to provide a similar action with a focus on bringing something new into existence.

is permitted to make

Highlights the aspect of permission or authorization, suggesting that the action is allowed.

can produce

Replaces "make" with "produce", suggesting the creation of something on a larger scale or in a more formal context.

can construct

Emphasizes the building or assembling aspect of making something, often implying a structured process.

can generate

Focuses on the creation or production of something, often implying a process or system that yields a result.

is allowed to make

Similar to "is permitted to make", this highlights the aspect of permission, but with a slightly more informal tone.

can build

Similar to "can construct", emphasizing the process of creating something by putting parts together.

FAQs

What is the correct grammatical structure with the word "can"?

The correct structure is "can + base form of verb". For example, "can make", "can go", "can see". Using "can" with an "-s" ending on the verb is incorrect.

How to use "can make" in a sentence?

Use "can make" to indicate ability or possibility. For instance, "A positive attitude "can make" a big difference" or "He "can make" delicious cakes".

What can I say instead of "can makes"?

Since "can makes" is grammatically incorrect, use alternatives like ""can make"", "is able to make", or "has the ability to make" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can makes" or "can make"?

"Can make" is the correct form. "Can makes" is grammatically incorrect because modal verbs like "can" are always followed by the base form of the verb.