can take place

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can take place" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an event or activity that is possible or likely to happen. For example: "The meeting can take place tomorrow if everyone is available."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"REVOLUTIONS" can take place in surprising places.

The Economist

Experts say it can take place quickly.

The Guardian - Opinion

Genetically, only two processes can take place within a species.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A fedayeen [militant] attack can take place anywhere.

The New York Times

That inevitably brutal change can take place in two ways.

The Economist

But how that can take place is not clear.

Independent

And surely learning can take place outside the classroom.

The New York Times - Magazine

Discrimination can take place even before a person is hired.

The New Yorker

Plenty of change can take place without legislation.

The Guardian

"We hope and believe that it can take place".

The New York Times

The conversation aspect can take place around both.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can take place" to clearly indicate that an event is possible, permissible, or scheduled to happen. This phrase avoids ambiguity and clearly communicates potential occurrences.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on passive constructions with "can take place". Opt for active voice when possible to make your writing more dynamic and engaging. For example, instead of "The decision can take place tomorrow", consider "The committee can make the decision tomorrow".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can take place" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating possibility, permission, or opportunity for an event or action to happen. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

40%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can take place" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to indicate the possibility or permissibility of an event. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its prevalence across various sources like News & Media, Science, Encyclopedias, and Wiki underscores its versatility. While alternatives such as "may occur" or "could happen" exist, "can take place" is particularly suitable for describing scheduled or organized events. When writing, be mindful of overusing passive voice to ensure clarity and impact. The phrase's neutrality makes it appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, solidifying its place as a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may occur

Emphasizes possibility or chance of happening.

could happen

Suggests a potential future event.

might transpire

Implies an event unfolding, often unexpectedly.

is able to happen

Focuses on the ability or capacity for an event to occur.

can come about

Highlights the process or manner in which something happens.

is susceptible to occurring

Points to vulnerability or likelihood of occurrence, particularly of something negative.

is liable to transpire

Suggests a legal or probable unfolding of events.

is subject to happening

Emphasizes that an event is conditional or dependent on certain factors.

is in the realm of possibility

Highlights that something is theoretically possible, even if not probable.

has the potential to unfold

Focuses on inherent ability of something to happen or develop.

FAQs

How can I use "can take place" in a sentence?

The phrase "can take place" indicates that something is possible or allowed to happen. For example, "The meeting "can take place" either in the conference room or online depending on availability."

What are some alternatives to "can take place"?

You can use alternatives such as "may occur", "could happen", or "might transpire" to express similar meanings depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "can take place" or "will take place"?

"Can take place" suggests a possibility, while "will take place" indicates certainty. Use "can take place" when something is contingent or conditional, and "will take place" when it is definite and scheduled.

What is the difference between "can take place" and "can occur"?

While similar, "can take place" often refers to scheduled or organized events, while "can occur" is more general and can apply to any event or phenomenon. For instance, a scheduled conference "can take place", while a natural disaster "can occur".