can to operate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can to operate" is not correct in written English.
It seems to be a mix-up of modal verbs and the infinitive form, which should be corrected to "can operate." Example: "The new software can operate efficiently on various devices."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Accordingly, they will do all they can to operate as scheduled.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Simply put, we can choose to operate from a closed mind, closed heart, and closed will, or we can choose to operate from an open mind, open heart, and open will.

HuffPost

We can continue to operate".

The New York Times

It can continue to operate in London throughout that process.

The New York Times

"If you pay certain bribes to the police you can continue to operate the compounds".

The Guardian

As the decision is under appeal, the facility can continue to operate.

The Guardian

"There was a vested interest for the government to ensure that Aldar can continue to operate".

The New York Times

Train operators must first operate a bus for a year before they can apply to operate the train.

The Washington Post

So what is GNM doing to ensure it can continue to operate sustainably and to help fund its journalism?

The Guardian

Nestlé has applied to renew its permit and can continue to operate while that application is pending.

The Guardian

Now the auxiliary structure gives these folks all the assurance they need that Old River can continue to operate".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use "can operate" instead of "can to operate". The infinitive form following 'can' does not require 'to'.

Common error

Don't add 'to' after modal verbs like "can", "should", or "must". It's a common mistake to add 'to' unnecessarily, creating grammatically incorrect phrases. For example, always use “can operate” not “can to operate”.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can to operate" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "can operate", where 'can' functions as a modal verb indicating ability or possibility, followed by the base form of the verb 'operate'. Ludwig AI points out that 'to' is unnecessary and incorrect in this context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can to operate" is grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI highlights, the correct form is "can operate", where 'can' is a modal verb indicating ability or possibility. The examples provided show the correct usage in various contexts, emphasizing the ability of something to function. Therefore, always omit 'to' after the modal verb 'can' to ensure grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can operate

Removes the unnecessary 'to', correcting the grammar.

is able to operate

Replaces 'can' with a more formal equivalent expressing ability.

is capable of operating

Similar to 'is able to', but emphasizes inherent capability.

has the capacity to operate

Uses a more elaborate way to express capability.

can function

A more general term indicating the ability to work or perform.

is designed to operate

Focuses on the intended functionality of something.

is permitted to operate

Indicates that something has been granted permission to function.

is allowed to operate

Indicates permission has been granted to perform a function.

may operate

Suggests a possibility or permission, rather than a certainty.

can be used to operate

Focuses on the use of something for operation.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "can to operate"?

The correct phrase is "can operate". The word 'to' is unnecessary after the modal verb 'can'.

What does it mean when something "can operate"?

It means that something has the ability or is permitted to function or work. For instance, a machine “can operate” if it is in working condition.

What can I say instead of "can to operate"?

You can use alternatives like "is able to operate", "is capable of operating", or simply "can operate".

Which is correct, "can to operate" or "can operate"?

"Can operate" is the correct form. The phrase "can to operate" is grammatically incorrect.