it can working

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can working" is not correct in written English.
The correct form would be "it can work." Example: "If you follow the instructions carefully, it can work as intended."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A spokesman said Brent Council was doing "absolutely everything it can, working closely with local schools, to create more spaces... but it is a real challenge".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

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

Always use the base form of a verb after modal verbs like "can", "could", "should", "would", "may", "might", and "must". For example, use "it can work" instead of "it can working".

Common error

Avoid using the gerund form (-ing) of a verb directly after modal verbs. The structure 'can + verb-ing' is almost always grammatically incorrect. Remember, modals are followed by the base form of the verb.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can working" is grammatically incorrect. The modal verb "can" requires the base form of the verb, not the gerund (-ing form). Ludwig AI indicates this as an error, suggesting the correct form is "it can work".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it can working" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "it can work". While Ludwig provides examples of the phrase in use, it's crucial to note that these instances are not grammatically sound. Therefore, avoid using "it can working" in your writing and opt for grammatically correct alternatives to effectively convey the intended meaning of ability or possibility. Always ensure that modal verbs like 'can' are followed by the base form of the verb.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it can work

Corrects the grammatical error by using the base form of the verb 'work' after 'can'.

it is able to work

Replaces "can" with "is able to", providing a grammatically sound alternative.

it is capable of working

Emphasizes capability, changing the structure to use 'capable of' with the gerund form.

it has the capacity to work

Uses a more formal structure to express the ability to function.

it is in working order

Focuses on the state of being ready and able to operate.

it is operational

Similar to 'in working order' but more formal.

it works

Simplifies the phrase to a statement of functionality.

it functions properly

Highlights correct and intended functionality.

it is functional

Replaces the verbal phrase with an adjective describing its working state.

it is designed to work

Specifies the intended functionality through design.

FAQs

What's the correct way to use "can" with a verb?

The modal verb "can" is always followed by the base form of the verb. So, instead of saying "it can working", the correct form is "it can work".

What are some alternatives to "it can working"?

Since "it can working" is grammatically incorrect, you can use phrases like "it can work", "it is able to work", or "it is capable of working" depending on the context.

Is "it can working" ever correct?

No, "it can working" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. Use "it can work" instead.

How does using "can" change the meaning of a verb?

Using "can" indicates ability or possibility. For example, "it can work" means that something has the ability or is possible to function. Without "can", "it works" simply states that it is functioning.