that can expand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that can expand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has the ability to increase in size, capacity, or scope. Example: "The balloon is made of a special material that can expand when filled with air."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is essentially a Beethoven orchestra that can expand to cope with most Romantic composers.

The New York Times - Arts

Only companies that can expand their operations regionally or throughout Africa will be considered.

The Economist

Is TastingRoom.com an idea that can expand "intergalactically?" And how should it woo investors who may still be shell-shocked from the misadventures of other online wine retailers?

The New York Times

One that churns out actin and myosin, which link up to form units that can expand and contract, will become a muscle cell.

The Economist

Although a largely symbolic office, the Italian presidency has been likened to a concertina that can expand and contract according to need.

The Guardian

"The beauty of being No. 1 is you get a disproportionate share of the opportunity" for deals that can expand a site's reach, he said.

The New York Times

CHUCK AKRE, manager of the Akre Focus fund, says he likes to look for stocks of companies that can expand despite the poor economy.

The New York Times

Instead (or at least as well) it should have been about channelling finance to those industries that can expand and employ more workers.

The Economist

"We look at electronic publishing as a medium that can expand an author's audience rather than cannibalize it," the executive said.

The New York Times

You'll no longer have to worry about finding a bathroom; you'll just carry a small chip with you that can expand into a private portable toilet.

The New York Times

The high pressure of the blood coming from the arterial circulation causes the dura mater to separate from the skull, creating the classic lens-shaped hematoma that can expand quickly, placing significant pressure on the brain.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that can expand" to describe systems, ideas, or physical objects that have the inherent property of increasing in size, scope, or capacity. Ensure the context clearly indicates what aspect is expanding, such as "a business that can expand its market share" or "a material that can expand when heated".

Common error

Avoid using "that can expand" in overly simplistic sentences where a more direct verb would suffice. For example, instead of "a container that can expand", consider "an expandable container". This enhances clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that can expand" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun by describing its capacity to increase in size, scope, or amount. Ludwig examples show its versatile usage across diverse subjects, from describing the expansion of orchestras to the growth of businesses. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that can expand" is a versatile and grammatically sound relative clause used to describe a noun's capacity for growth or enlargement. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples reveals its widespread use across various domains, including news, science, and general discourse. Its neutral register and clear meaning make it a valuable tool for precise communication. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, reinforcing its status as a reliable and effective element of English vocabulary. Keep in mind the best practices for usage and avoid common errors to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of expansion

Replaces the relative clause with a concise adjectival phrase.

with the ability to grow

Emphasizes the potential for growth rather than a static ability to expand.

able to be enlarged

Focuses on the possibility of being made larger, emphasizing passive potential.

which may be extended

Highlights the possibility of increasing its length or scope

that has scalability

Uses a technical term emphasizing the system's or design's capacity to handle increasing demands.

with a capacity for augmentation

Emphasizes the capability of being augmented or added to.

that is extensible

Uses a more formal, often technical term for something designed to have new capabilities added to it.

that is able to stretch

Highlights the physical aspect of expanding, like material stretching.

with the potential to increase

Focuses specifically on the potential for numerical or quantitative increase.

that offers room for growth

Emphasizes the presence of available space or opportunity for future development.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "that can expand" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "capable of expansion", "with the capacity for augmentation", or "that is extensible". These alternatives are appropriate for technical or academic writing.

What's a simpler way to say "that can expand" in everyday conversation?

In casual conversation, you could use phrases like "able to grow", "that is able to stretch", or simply "expandable" depending on the context. These options are less formal and easier to understand.

How does "that can expand" differ from "that is scalable"?

"That can expand" generally refers to increasing in size or scope, while "that is scalable" specifically relates to a system's ability to handle increased demand or workload without negatively impacting performance. Scalability is often used in technical and business contexts.

When is it better to use "that can expand" versus "with the potential to increase"?

"That can expand" is appropriate when describing an inherent ability or designed feature to increase in size, scope or capacity. "With the potential to increase" is better suited when referring to a possibility or likelihood of growth or numerical increase that may not be guaranteed.