it can like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can like" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be used in informal spoken language, often to express uncertainty or hesitation, but it is not appropriate for formal writing. Example: "It can like be really confusing sometimes when you don't know what to expect."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The Borgata, looking as much as it can like a Tuscan village, will open its doors on an expanse that used to be a city landfill, putting 3,000 more people to work and paying more than $10 million a year in property taxes.

The New York Times

It can like stories; it can be nice.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Barring that, it might find and promote as many fighters as it can like Mr. Daw.

The New York Times

Adele: And a flexible nose … that can turn itself so it can like stay there so it can have longer time in the air.

International Journal of STEM Education

Turning to another member's first design, Lilly queried, "What was good about your plane again?" Adele's response initiated the group's redesign: Um, I don't know, but um, like maybe if you like only a little bit have the point of your plane curved in, a little bit, so it can like move … See maybe at the back of the plane we should have little triangle cuts or something.

International Journal of STEM Education

During sex it's not a problem, but it can like, rub against my underwear… Tucking your one hangy labia back in isn't like picking a wedgie, you know?" Respondents with large inner labia tended to echo the views of less hung men from last week.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"US can like it or lump it," the headline said.

The Washington Post

People can like it if they want.

Huffington Post

It can be like a simple band, or you can modify it just like the Headband.

WikiHow

It can sound like pity.

The New Yorker

It can look like smugness.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, avoid using "it can like". Instead, opt for more grammatically correct alternatives such as "it might be like", "it could resemble", or "it may seem". This enhances clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "like" as a filler word or a hedge in your sentences. While common in spoken English, it weakens your writing and makes it seem less confident. Replace it with more precise language or remove it altogether.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can like" functions as a way to express a potential similarity or characteristic. However, as Ludwig AI points out, this construction is not considered grammatically correct in standard written English. The modal verb "can" is typically used to indicate ability or possibility, but when combined with "like" in this manner, it introduces ambiguity and grammatical awkwardness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

25%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it can like" is an unconventional construction that attempts to express a potential similarity or characteristic. However, Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically incorrect in standard written English, more commonly found in informal spoken language. While it appears across various sources, including news and media, its use is generally discouraged in formal contexts. For clearer and more professional communication, consider alternatives like "it might be like", "it could resemble", or "it may seem". Steering clear of "it can like" will improve the credibility and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it might be like

Suggests a possibility or resemblance, replacing the more direct "can" with "might" for a weaker assertion.

it could be like

Similar to "it might be like", indicating a potential comparison or resemblance.

it may be like

Again, expresses possibility, but slightly more formal than "it might be like".

it is possibly like

Rephrases the possibility with an adverb, making the sentence slightly more verbose.

it resembles

Focuses on the similarity or likeness between two things, removing the modal verb.

it is similar to

More explicitly states the similarity, replacing the ambiguous "like" with a clearer prepositional phrase.

it can resemble

Combines the possibility of "can" with the comparison of "resemble".

it is capable of being like

A formal and somewhat convoluted way of expressing the potential for similarity.

it has the potential to be like

Highlights the potential or capacity for resemblance.

it is liable to be like

Suggests a tendency or likelihood of resembling something.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use "it can like" in a sentence?

The phrase "it can like" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard written English. It's best to use alternatives like "it might be like" or "it could resemble".

What can I say instead of "it can like" to express similarity?

To express similarity, you can use phrases such as "it is similar to", "it resembles", or "it is like", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "it can like" acceptable in spoken English?

While "it can like" might appear in informal spoken language, especially to express hesitation or uncertainty, it's not appropriate for formal writing. Consider replacing it with "it might seem" or "it could be" for better clarity.

How does using "it can like" affect the tone of my writing?

Using "it can like" can make your writing sound less professional and more colloquial. To maintain a formal or neutral tone, opt for more precise and grammatically correct alternatives such as "it may seem" or "it could be similar to".