he can move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he can move" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate someone's ability to physically relocate or change position. Example: "Despite his injury, he can move with surprising agility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He can move.

The New York Times - Sports

He can move nowhere now without bodyguards.

The Economist

"He can move his legs fast.

The New York Times - Magazine

"He can move around," Gruden said.

The New York Times - Sports

He can move, but very slowly".

The New York Times

"He can move me to tears with a look".

The New York Times

But it remains unclear how decisively he can move.

The New York Times

In a club like Lille, he can move forward".

The Guardian - Sport

Sometimes only to the knowledge that he can move on.

The New York Times - Arts

TOUGHNESS -- Has to prove he can move inside.

The New York Times - Sports

He can move the monarch like a chess piece.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he can move" to express someone's physical ability to relocate or to advance in a figurative sense, such as progressing in a career or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "he can move" solely in a literal sense when a figurative meaning is intended. For instance, use alternatives like "he can influence" or "he can progress" to convey abstract capabilities more clearly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he can move" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing ability or possibility. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound. Examples show it describing physical movement, progress, or influence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he can move" is a versatile expression used to denote physical capability, progression, or influence, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse sources, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business contexts, make it a reliable choice for conveying various meanings. When writing, consider the specific context to ensure clarity, distinguishing between literal and figurative interpretations. While "he can move" is generally acceptable, consider alternatives like "he is able to move" or "he can progress" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is able to move

This alternative replaces the modal verb 'can' with the phrase 'is able to', expressing the same capability.

he has the ability to move

This uses a more formal noun phrase to convey the same meaning of possessing the capacity to move.

he is capable of moving

Replaces 'can' with 'is capable of', indicating inherent ability.

he is in a position to move

This suggests that circumstances allow him to move.

he is permitted to move

This indicates that he has been granted permission to move.

he is allowed to move

Similar to 'permitted', but implies a more general allowance.

he is free to move

Suggests a lack of constraints on his movement.

he manages to move

This implies that moving requires effort or overcoming obstacles.

he has the power to move

This denotes having the authority or influence to cause movement.

he is known to move

This suggests that he is known for moving, perhaps frequently or in a certain way.

FAQs

How can I use "he can move" in a sentence?

You can use "he can move" to describe someone's physical ability to move their body, such as "Despite his injury, he can move surprisingly well". It can also describe someone's ability to progress or advance in a situation, as in "He needs to show initiative before "he can move forward" in his career".

What does "he can move" mean in a figurative sense?

Figuratively, "he can move" implies the capacity to influence, progress, or take action. For example, saying "He can move markets with a few words" means he has influence over the stock market. Alternatively, if "he can move on" means he has the ability to progress past a difficult situation.

Which is correct, "he can move" or "he is able to move"?

Both "he can move" and "he is able to move" are grammatically correct and convey the same basic meaning. "He can move" is generally more concise and common, while "he is able to move" might be used for emphasis or in more formal contexts.

What are some synonyms for "he can move"?

Synonyms for "he can move" include "he is able to move", "he is capable of moving", and depending on the context, "he is agile", or "he has influence".