it can match

USAGE SUMMARY

"it can match" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to indicate that something can be matched or paired with something else. For example, "This curtain color will look great in the living room – it can match the paint on the wall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

When it gets lists of people who made purchases straight from the businesses or its data providers, it can match them against its ad data and prove their ROI.

TechCrunch

But if it can match its nippy performance in South Korea ($20.6m and counting – its popularity boosted there by Seoul-born actor Ki Hong Lee), in France (7 Oct) and in China (22 Oct), which was also very hot for Maze Runner first time round, then the franchise should carry on growing.

The Guardian - Film

But the lack of real-world hookup this time leaves some doubt about whether it can match its predecessor's record-breaking gross.

The Guardian - Film

But if it can match its larger competitors, it should do fine.

TechCrunch

In its lawsuit, MSG claims that the new Yankee network is not an offer that it can match, under its right to match any outside offers for Yankee rights.

The New York Times - Sports

Until it gets to that point, Folio[fn] is compiling the orders customers place and sending them to market-making firms in two daily batches, at 10 15 a.m. and at 2 45 p.m. On those trades it can match among its customers, Folio[fn] says it will split the difference, or spread, between the prevailing prices offered to buy and sell that stock.

The New York Times

So while it can match the movements of its partner's upper body, Prof. Kazuhiro Kosuge, who led the team that developed the robot, said it cannot yet perform the dance steps.

The New York Times

Because of its size, it benefits from "network effects" in that it can match incoming passengers with outgoing flights to hundreds of different cities.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

One that, it appears, can match the Titans strength for strength.

The New York Times

Her boyfriend is obsessed with wearing basketball jerseys, she said, "and the guys like it when you can match".

The New York Times

But it seems nothing can match the blunt appeal of the placard on Salmond's platform at Perth's Salutation hotel on Monday night.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing capabilities, "it can match" implies a present or potential ability. Use it in scenarios where the capacity to equal or align is being assessed or predicted.

Common error

Avoid using "it can match" when a stronger term like "surpass" or "exceed" is more appropriate. "Match" suggests equivalence, not superiority. Misusing it can understate the actual capability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can match" functions as a verb phrase expressing potential or capability. As shown in Ludwig, it indicates that something has the ability to correspond, align, or be equivalent to something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it can match" is a versatile verb phrase used to express potential or actual equivalence between two things. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used across a variety of contexts, most frequently in News & Media and Science, indicating the ability of one thing to align with or equal another. When writing, remember that "match" implies equivalence, not superiority, and that it expresses a potential or capability, while "it matches" states a fact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is equivalent to

Indicates a state of being equal in value or meaning.

it is able to align with

Replaces "match" with a more formal synonym, focusing on alignment.

it can correspond with

Emphasizes a direct relationship or connection.

it is on par with

Suggests a level of equality or equivalence.

it is capable of equaling

Emphasizes the capability to be on par with something.

it has the ability to mirror

Implies a reflection or close resemblance.

it has the capacity to correspond to

Highlights the capacity for a direct correspondence.

it is designed to coordinate with

Focuses on the intended design for coordination.

it is suited to pair with

Highlights suitability for pairing.

it's a good fit for

Expresses compatibility, but more colloquially.

FAQs

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

Use "it can match" to indicate the capability of something to correspond, equal, or align with something else. For example, "This new technology is promising because "it can match" the performance of existing solutions at a lower cost".

What are some alternatives to "it can match"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it is able to align with", "it is capable of equaling", or "it is equivalent to".

Is it correct to say "it can matches"?

No, "it can matches" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "it can match", where "can" is a modal verb and takes the base form of the verb "match".

What's the difference between "it can match" and "it matches"?

"It can match" expresses a potential or capability, while "it matches" states a fact or a current state. For example, "This software "it can match" the speed of the older version" indicates a potential, whereas "This software "it matches" the speed of the older version" suggests the speed is already equivalent.