it can contain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can contain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the capacity or inclusion of something within a particular context or object. Example: "The box is designed to hold various items, and it can contain up to 50 pounds of weight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Doom is large, it can contain multitudes).

The New York Times - Arts

With Betty's help, it can contain Bruce.

The New York Times

It can contain everything, but defines nothing.

The New York Times

It can contain methanol, chloride, sulphates and radium.

The Guardian

It can contain up to 11percentt fat.

The New York Times - Science

Life is cruel and oblivious, but it can contain much happiness too.

The Guardian - Books

Nunn has invested the story with more realism than it can contain.

The Guardian

Many people still prefer to filter tap water because it can contain mineral sediment.

The New York Times

It can contain all of the static routes including the default route.

The Best Damn Firewall Book Period

It can contain a multiplicity of perspectives, and still be revelatory of a vision.

Columbia University

It can contain considerable natural gas, kept in solution by the pressure.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it can contain", ensure that the subject ("it") is clearly defined and that the contents are relevant to the context. Be specific about what "it" refers to, especially when there are multiple possible antecedents.

Common error

Avoid using "it can contain" when the referent of "it" is unclear or ambiguous. This can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. Always ensure that the reader can easily identify what "it" refers to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can contain" functions as a declarative statement expressing the potential or capacity of something to hold or include specific elements. This aligns with Ludwig's identification of the phrase as grammatically correct and usable, demonstrated in a wide variety of examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it can contain" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe the potential capacity of a subject to hold or include something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for diverse contexts, from formal academic writing to everyday news reporting. While alternatives like ""it can hold"" or ""it may include"" offer subtle nuances, "it can contain" remains a clear and effective choice for conveying potential inclusion or accommodation. Remember to maintain clarity by ensuring the referent of "it" is always easily identifiable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it can hold

A more concise way of expressing the ability to physically hold something.

it is able to hold

Focuses on the capability to hold something, rather than the inclusion of contents.

it has the capacity for

Emphasizes the potential volume or amount that something can hold.

it is capable of including

Highlights the ability to include specific items or elements.

it can incorporate

Focuses on the act of integrating or combining elements within something.

it is designed to include

Stresses the intentional design for including certain elements.

it may encompass

Suggests a broader scope of inclusion, implying a wider range of possibilities.

it has space for

Highlights the availability of physical space to accommodate something.

it is known to comprise

Implies that something is composed of or consists of certain elements.

it is equipped to handle

Emphasizes the readiness and capability to manage or deal with something.

FAQs

How can I use "it can contain" in a sentence?

Use "it can contain" to describe something's capacity to hold or include specific items or elements. For example, "The file "it can contain" various types of data".

What are some alternatives to "it can contain"?

Alternatives include "it can hold", "it may include", or "it is able to hold", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "it can contain" or "it contains"?

Both are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "It contains" states a fact about what something currently holds, while "it can contain" describes its potential or capability to hold something.

What's the difference between "it can contain" and "it can include"?

"It can contain" implies a broader sense of holding or accommodating something, while "it can include" suggests listing specific items or elements that are part of something. The nuance depends on the context.