it can works

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'it can works' is not correct as written.
It should be written as "it can work". This phrase can be used when referring to something that has the capability of completing a task. For example: "This software is really powerful - it can work with any type of file."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar 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

Always use the correct form "it can work". The modal verb "can" is always followed by the base form of the verb.

Common error

Avoid conjugating the verb after modal verbs like "can", "should", and "must". Always use the base form of the verb. So, instead of "it can works", use "it can work".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can works" is grammatically incorrect. The modal verb "can" must be followed by the base form of the verb. Thus, Ludwig AI indicates that the correct form is "it can work". The primary function would be to express the potential or ability of something to function.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it can works" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "it can work", which expresses the potential or capability of something to function. As Ludwig AI points out, modal verbs like "can" must always be followed by the base form of the verb. Since there are no examples of the phrase "it can works" in reliable sources, it is best to avoid this construction. Use the correct form, and consider alternatives such as "it is capable of working" or "it has the ability to work" for clarity and grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is capable of working

Uses a more formal tone and expands on the idea of capability.

it has the ability to work

Emphasizes the ability or potential to function.

it is able to work

States the capacity to perform a task.

it can function

Focuses on the operational aspect of the subject.

it is operational

Highlights the state of being ready for use.

it is effective

Suggests that something achieves the desired result.

it is practical

Emphasizes the usefulness and feasibility of something.

it is feasible

Indicates that something is possible and likely to succeed.

it is viable

Suggests that something is capable of succeeding or surviving.

it is in working order

Specifies that something is in a functional state.

FAQs

How to correctly use "it can work" in a sentence?

Use "it can work" to express the possibility or capability of something functioning or being effective. For example, "With the new updates, it can work much faster."

What's the difference between "it can work" and "it works"?

"It works" indicates that something is currently functioning, whereas "it can work" suggests a potential or conditional ability to function. For example, "It works now" versus "If you install the driver, "it can work"."

Which is the correct phrase, "it can work" or "it can works"?

"It can work" is correct. Modal verbs like "can" are always followed by the base form of the verb. "It can works" is grammatically incorrect.

What are some alternatives to saying "it can work"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "it is possible", "it is feasible", or "it is capable". For instance, "This solution is possible" instead of "This solution can work".