it can wait

USAGE SUMMARY

'it can wait' is correct and usable in written English, and it is often used to suggest that something does not have to be done immediately.
For example, you could write, "I'm busy with another project right now, but if you need help I can get to it later—it can wait."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

AT&T's multimillion dollar "it can wait" campaign sent a driving simulator to high schools across the United States to give teenagers first-hand experience of distracted driving.

The Guardian

As for customer service, "it can wait".

Huffington Post

Miwako packs her jewelry back in its black box; it can wait another day.

Huffington Post

Whenever, the MN changes its point of attachment, it can wait for a router advertisement message.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

It can wait a long time until its next meal, sometimes over a year, says Secor.

BBC

I think it can wait out the downturn and use its advertising and market share to get back on its feet.

Forbes

That means it can wait as long as possible to reveal its deals, and it usually does.

Forbes

However, if it is deployed in the second half, it can wait the elaboration of the new key to report its data.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

"I guess it can wait".

The New Yorker

Jerusalem is not urgent, it can wait.

The New York Times

"It can wait," said the man.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it can wait", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "It can wait", clarify with "The email response can wait until tomorrow".

Common error

While acceptable, frequent use of "it can wait" can sound informal in professional contexts. Opt for alternatives like "can be deferred" or "is not a priority" to maintain a more formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can wait" functions as a statement indicating that something does not require immediate attention or action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is often used to reassure or prioritize tasks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it can wait" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to indicate that something does not require immediate attention and can be postponed. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usability spans diverse contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media, Science, and Academic sources. When writing, ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity, and consider more formal alternatives in professional settings. The phrase functions to convey a lack of urgency and to prioritize tasks effectively. From authoritative sources like The New York Times to everyday conversations, this versatile phrase serves as a reminder that not everything needs to be done right away.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's not urgent

Focuses on the lack of urgency, similar to the original phrase.

it can be postponed

Emphasizes the possibility of delaying something.

it's not a priority

Highlights the lower importance of something.

it can be deferred

A more formal way of saying something can be delayed.

it's not time-sensitive

Indicates that timing is not critical.

it can hold off

Suggests delaying action or attention.

it's okay to delay

Expresses permission to postpone something.

it's not pressing

Indicates a lack of immediate need.

it can stand by

Suggests something can remain inactive for the time being.

it's on the back burner

An idiomatic expression for something that is not a current focus.

FAQs

How to use "it can wait" in a sentence?

You can use "it can wait" to indicate that something does not need immediate attention or can be postponed. For example, "I'm busy now; that task "it can wait" until later".

What can I say instead of "it can wait"?

You can use alternatives like "it is not urgent", "it can be postponed", or "it is not a priority" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it can wait" or "it could wait"?

"It can wait" suggests something doesn't need immediate action. "It could wait" implies a possibility but isn't definite. The choice depends on whether you're stating a fact or a possibility.

What's the difference between "it can wait" and "it has to wait"?

"It can wait" suggests flexibility, implying the action is not immediately necessary. "It has to wait" indicates a requirement for delay, often due to circumstances or constraints. For example, "The decision "it has to wait" because we are waiting for more information".