it can

USAGE SUMMARY

"it can" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to introduce a potential solution or option. For example: "We need to find a way to get this done quickly. It can be done if we work together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It can.

The New York Times

It can migrate, it can spread.

The New Yorker

What it can predict, it can control.

The New Yorker

Yet it can work.

The New York Times - Arts

It can be both.

The New York Times

It can only help.

The New York Times

It can go away.

The New York Times

It can get worse.

The New York Times

"It can reach 30C".

Independent

It can succeed.

BBC

It can backfire.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it can" to introduce a potential solution or capability. It's a straightforward way to suggest possibilities without overstating certainty.

Common error

While "it can" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in formal contexts. Opt for more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "it is capable of" or "it has the potential to" to enhance the clarity and professionalism of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can" primarily functions as a modal construction, expressing possibility, capability, or potential. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard and usable part of English sentences, especially to introduce solutions. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it can" is a versatile and frequently used phrase expressing possibility or capability. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable. Ludwig's examples show its presence in diverse contexts, from news and media to business and general communication. While perfectly acceptable, remember to use it thoughtfully, considering context, and perhaps opting for more specific alternatives in formal writing. This ensures your message is clear, effective, and well-suited to your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is able to

Emphasizes the inherent ability or capacity to perform an action.

it is possible to

Highlights the feasibility or likelihood of something occurring.

it has the potential to

Focuses on the unrealized possibilities and future prospects.

it is capable of

Stresses the inherent skill or talent to achieve a certain outcome.

it may

Indicates a degree of uncertainty or possibility.

it could

Suggests a conditional possibility or past ability.

it is known to

Highlights something is commonly recognized or observed.

it is liable to

Implies that something has a proclivity to occur.

it is apt to

Suggests a natural inclination or tendency.

it will

Suggests the idea of something certainly happening

FAQs

How to use "it can" in a sentence?

Use "it can" to indicate a possibility, capability, or potential. For example, "it can be done if we work together" suggests a task is achievable.

What can I say instead of "it can"?

You can use alternatives like "it is possible", "it is able to", or "it may" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "it can" or "it could"?

Both "it can" and "it could" are correct, but they have different meanings. "It can" implies a present or general possibility, while "it could" suggests a conditional or past possibility.

What's the difference between "it can" and "it will"?

"It can" indicates a possibility or capability, whereas "it will" suggests a certainty or prediction. For example, "it can rain" means it's possible, while "it will rain" suggests it's expected.