it can either

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can either" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when presenting two options or possibilities in a situation. Example: "The project can either be completed in-house or outsourced to a third party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It can either be masonry or insulated pipe".

The New York Times

It can either be rst (rotate, scale, translate), or trans (translation only).

Harvard University

It can either be viewed statically below or interactively in binder.

Harvard University

It can either be input as an RA/Dec pair, or as a filename.

Harvard University

It can either make them quit or try to change and get better".

The New York Times

"Well it can either go one way or another," Andrey said, smile budding.

The Guardian

For each stationary controller, it can either be applied alone or combined with other stationary controllers.

Neurocomputing

Entering a pub is like dying: it can either be your passage to heaven or hell.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Thereafter, it can either recycle back to the cell surface or be degraded in the lysosomes39.

Nature

"And, for a split second, it can either go forward or fall back.

The Economist

It can either be passed into the Fits constructor, or it can be set as a system environment variable.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it can either", ensure that the subsequent options are parallel in structure to maintain clarity and grammatical correctness. For example, "It can either rain or snow" maintains parallel structure.

Common error

Avoid starting a sentence with "it can either" without providing a clear second alternative. Ensure that both possibilities are explicitly stated to avoid confusing the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can either" functions as a connector to introduce two alternative possibilities or options. It sets up a binary choice, as seen in Ludwig's examples where something can "either" have one characteristic or another. This use provides clarity in presenting different potential outcomes or actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it can either" is a versatile connector used to present two alternative possibilities in a clear and structured manner. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. The phrase functions to set up a binary choice, ensuring clarity in explaining different potential outcomes or actions. While maintaining a generally neutral tone, it's crucial to use parallel structures in the subsequent options and explicitly state both possibilities to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases like "it may alternatively" and "it could also" offer subtle variations in formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it may alternatively

Uses 'may' instead of 'can', suggesting possibility rather than capability and uses 'alternatively' for a more formal tone.

as an alternative it can

Highlights an alternative option while retaining the possibility expressed by 'can'.

it could also

Replaces 'can either' with 'could also', indicating a suggestion or possibility without the exclusive nature of 'either'.

it might instead

Offers 'might instead' for a less assertive alternative, implying a preference or substitution.

instead it can

Suggests a direct replacement of one option with another, keeping the possibility.

alternatively it will

Uses 'alternatively' to introduce a different course of action or possibility; 'will' indicates a future event.

on the other hand it may

Introduces a contrasting option, highlighting a different perspective or outcome.

in contrast it will

Presents a different future action or outcome.

conversely it is able to

Offers a complete reverse or opposite situation; uses 'is able to' to express capability.

it has the capacity to instead

Emphasizes the potential or ability for a different action to occur.

FAQs

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

Use "it can either" to present two distinct possibilities or options. For example, "The company's strategy "it can either" focus on expanding its market share or improving its existing product line".

What phrases are similar to "it can either"?

Similar phrases include "it may alternatively", "it could also", or "alternatively it will", each offering slightly different nuances of possibility or contrast.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "it can either"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "it can either" as long as the sentence provides two clear and distinct alternatives or options.

What's the difference between "it can either" and "it can also"?

"It can either" presents two mutually exclusive options, while "it can also" introduces an additional, non-exclusive option. For example, you might say, "The software "it can either" perform data analysis or generate reports," implying a choice. But if you say, "The software "it can also" generate reports," you're adding a feature to its capabilities.