it can continue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can continue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is able to persist or carry on, often in the context of a process, action, or situation. Example: "If the weather remains favorable, the event can continue as planned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"If it can also improve the desirability of its products, it can continue to strengthen its performance".

BBC

The passengers get out and together push the bus so it can continue its way.

Unicef

It can continue to increase its dividend by 10% a year over the next several years, he believes.

Forbes

That kind of financing means it can continue to hold its own or even challenge the likes of Facebook.

Forbes

It can continue to increase its dividend by 10% a year for the next several years, he believes.

Forbes

Planning for it can continue.

The New York Times

"I don't know how long it can continue," he said.

The New York Times

Hopefully it can continue as long as we play".

Independent

It can continue for the next 100 years.

The Guardian - Arts

It is essential that it can continue to do so".

The Guardian

Once a wave begins, it can continue over long distances.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it can continue" to clearly indicate the possibility or ability of something to persist or proceed, particularly when outlining potential outcomes or future actions.

Common error

Avoid using "it can continue" without providing context or conditions that support the continuation. Instead, specify factors that enable it to persist. For example, instead of "it can continue", use "it can continue if funding is secured."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can continue" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing possibility or ability for something to persist. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It suggests that a certain action or state has the capacity to proceed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it can continue" is a grammatically correct and very common modal verb phrase used to express the possibility or ability for something to persist or proceed. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, including news, business, and scientific writing. While it maintains a neutral register, it is crucial to provide specific conditions that enable the continuation to avoid ambiguity. Consider using alternatives like "it may proceed" or "it is able to go on" for slight variations in meaning. By understanding its function and appropriate usage, you can effectively communicate the potential for continuation in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it may proceed

Replaces "can" with "may", suggesting possibility rather than certainty.

it is able to go on

Substitutes "can continue" with a more descriptive phrase emphasizing capability.

it could persist

Uses "could" and "persist" to convey a sense of potential continuation.

it might carry on

Employs "might" and "carry on" to express a less definite continuation.

it is set to endure

Indicates a planned or expected continuation, using "endure".

it will keep going

Uses a more informal phrasing, "keep going", to denote continuation.

it shall proceed

Replaces "can" with "shall", creating a more formal and determined tone.

it is allowed to proceed

Focuses on permission or allowance for the continuation.

it is permitted to go forward

Highlights the aspect of permission and forward movement.

it will be sustained

Shifts the focus to the sustaining or maintaining of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "it can continue" to express the possibility or ability of something to persist. For example, "If the weather holds up, the event "it can continue" as planned."

What are some alternatives to "it can continue"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it may proceed", "it is able to go on", or "it could persist", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it can continue" formal or informal?

"It can continue" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language and situation.

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

"It can continue" expresses a possibility or ability, while "it will continue" indicates a higher degree of certainty or a prediction. Choose the phrase that best reflects the level of confidence or likelihood you want to convey.