it can work

USAGE SUMMARY

"it can work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing that a certain plan or situation is feasible. For example: "We have a tight budget, but I think it can work if we prioritize carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet it can work.

The New York Times - Arts

It can work beautifully.

The New York Times

It can work.

The New York Times

Again, it can work.

The New York Times

It can work both ways.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We believe it can work".

The New York Times - Sports

It can work for the cook, too.

The New York Times - Food

"I think it can work," Curry said.

The New York Times - Sports

If not, it can work in reverse".

The New York Times - Sports

But he said it can work.

The New York Times

It can work the other way, too.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In situations requiring greater certainty, consider alternatives like "it is feasible" or "it is viable" to convey a stronger sense of assurance.

Common error

Avoid using "it can work" as a standalone statement without explaining how or why something can work. Always provide context or supporting information to strengthen your claim.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "it can work" is to express possibility or potential. It combines a pronoun ("it"), a modal verb ("can"), and a main verb ("work") to indicate that something is feasible or has the ability to function successfully. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing numerous examples where the phrase demonstrates the viability of a plan or approach.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it can work" is a versatile and frequently used expression that conveys the possibility or potential for something to succeed. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While alternatives like "it is feasible" or "it is possible" exist, "it can work" strikes a balance between formality and approachability, making it suitable for diverse situations. When using this phrase, remember to provide sufficient context and supporting information to strengthen your claims and avoid ambiguity. Its frequent usage in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and effectiveness in conveying optimism and confidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is feasible

Replaces the modal verb construction with a direct statement of feasibility. Less conversational.

it is possible

Indicates a potential for success or operation, similar to "it can work". More formal.

it is viable

Suggests that something is practical and capable of succeeding. More business-oriented.

it is achievable

Highlights the attainability of a goal or outcome. Focuses on accomplishment.

it might succeed

Expresses a degree of uncertainty about the outcome. Less confident.

it has potential

Focuses on the inherent capacity for positive results. Emphasizes future possibilities.

it stands a chance

Implies a degree of risk but also a possibility of success. More colloquial.

it could function

Emphasizes the operational aspect and ability to perform a task. Slightly more technical.

it may be effective

Highlights the potential for achieving a desired result. Focuses on effectiveness.

it holds promise

Suggests a positive outlook and expectation of good results. More optimistic.

FAQs

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

You can use "it can work" to express the feasibility or potential success of a plan, method, or idea. For instance, "If we combine our resources, "it can work"" suggests that a positive outcome is possible through collaboration.

What are some alternatives to "it can work"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it is feasible", "it is possible", or "it is viable" to express a similar idea.

When is it more appropriate to use "it is feasible" instead of "it can work"?

"It is feasible" is generally more appropriate in formal or business contexts where you need to convey a strong sense of practicality and achievability. "It can work" is more general and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

What does it mean when someone says "it can work both ways"?

When someone says "it can work both ways", they mean that a situation or action can have either a positive or a negative effect, depending on the circumstances. It implies a reciprocal or dual nature to the outcome.