he can have

USAGE SUMMARY

"he can have" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is commonly used to indicate permission or ability. Example: "He can have the day off if he finishes his work early."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"He can have 20?

The New York Times - Books

He can have it back.

Independent

He can have it.

The New Yorker

"But, yeah, he can have a room".

The New York Times

He can have those things here.

The New York Times - Sports

Hopefully he can have more good days".

Independent

He can have that one".

The Guardian - Sport

"He can have that money.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm certain he can have it all".

The New York Times

And that's when he can have fun.

The Guardian

"He can have no part in the future of Syria.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he can have" to express permission, possibility, or future actions. Ensure the context clearly indicates which meaning is intended to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "he can have" in highly formal or academic writing when a more precise term like "he is permitted to have" or "he may possess" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he can have" functions primarily as a modal verb phrase indicating permission, possibility, or ability related to the subject 'he'. It combines the modal verb 'can' with the verb 'have' to express that the subject is allowed or able to possess or experience something. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he can have" is a versatile phrase used to express permission, possibility, or entitlement. As shown by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and common in various contexts, especially in news and media. While generally neutral, consider formal alternatives like "he is permitted to have" in academic or highly formal writing. Pay attention to the context to ensure the intended meaning is clear. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and widespread usage, making it a reliable choice for everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is allowed to have

Replaces "can" with "is allowed to", emphasizing permission.

he is permitted to have

Similar to "allowed to have" but with a more formal tone.

he may have

Uses "may" instead of "can", suggesting possibility or permission.

he is entitled to

Suggests a right or claim to something.

he is eligible to have

Similar to "entitled to", implying qualification.

he is able to possess

Formal alternative, focusing on the ability to possess something.

he is authorized to have

Focuses on official approval or permission.

it's okay for him to have

More conversational, emphasizing that it is acceptable.

he gets to have

Emphasizes the privilege of having something.

he has the option to have

Highlights the availability of a choice.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "he can have" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "he is permitted to have", "he is authorized to have", or "he may have" depending on the context.

What does "he can have" imply in a sentence?

It typically suggests permission, possibility, or entitlement. The specific meaning depends on the surrounding words and context. For instance, "He can have the day off" implies permission, while "He can have my share" implies offering.

Is it always appropriate to use "he can have"?

While generally acceptable, consider the context. In formal writing, alternatives like "he is permitted to have" might be more suitable. In informal settings, it's perfectly fine.

What's the difference between "he can have" and "he must have"?

"He can have" indicates permission or possibility, while "he must have" implies necessity or deduction. For example, "He can have the report by Friday" suggests flexibility, but "He must have left already" suggests a conclusion based on evidence.