that can have

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that can have" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe potential characteristics or features of something. Example: "There are many factors that can have an impact on the outcome of the experiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pursuing stories that can have impact.

The New York Times

It's those assumptions that can have deadly consequences".

The Guardian

A party that can have an effect on swing votes.

The New Yorker

This is unnecessary treatment that can have significant side effects".

The New York Times - Health

The ones that can have solved the Eagles.

The New York Times - Sports

In the public mind, that can have many different meanings.

The New York Times

You'd be surprised the huge impact that can have.

The New York Times

So it is something that can have a positive effect.

Harvard Business Review

It supports a window that can have an arbitrary event sampling (SAMP_CYC).

Harvard University

Caring teachers can help, through often-simple gestures and actions that can have deep significance.

Harvard University

To translate is in itself already an action that can have multiple meanings.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that can have", ensure the sentence clearly identifies what 'that' refers to, maintaining clarity and avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple clauses with "that can have" as it can make sentences convoluted. Break down complex sentences for better readability and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that can have" functions as a relative clause introducing a characteristic, effect, or attribute that something is capable of possessing. Ludwig indicates its frequent use in describing potential qualities. It modifies nouns or pronouns, specifying a possible state or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that can have" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to introduce relative clauses describing potential attributes or effects. Ludwig confirms its validity and widespread use across various domains. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, it maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal writing. When using this phrase, clarity is key to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "that may possess" or "that could exhibit" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that may possess

Replaces "can" with "may", indicating possibility, and "have" with "possess", a more formal synonym.

that could exhibit

Substitutes "can have" with "could exhibit", suggesting a potential display or manifestation of something.

that might generate

Replaces "can have" with "might generate", focusing on the potential creation or production of something.

that has the potential to

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the "potential" for something, adding emphasis.

that is capable of producing

Replaces "can have" with a more formal and detailed description of capability and output.

that is able to create

Expresses the ability to bring something into existence.

that is known to cause

Specifies that the subject is known to bring about a specific result or effect.

that is liable to

Suggests a tendency or likelihood for something to occur or be present.

that is apt to

Indicates a natural tendency or suitability for something.

that may lead to

Focuses on the potential consequence or outcome of something.

FAQs

How can I use "that can have" in a sentence?

Use "that can have" to introduce a relative clause describing a potential attribute, effect, or characteristic of something. For example, "Consider the factors "that can have" an impact on the experiment."

What can I say instead of "that can have"?

You can use alternatives like "that may possess", "that could exhibit", or "that might generate" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "that can have" and "that has"?

"That can have" describes a potential or possible attribute, while "that has" describes a present or existing attribute. "That can have" implies a possibility, while "that has" implies a certainty.

Is it formal to use "that can have" in a written document?

The phrase "that can have" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure than on the phrase itself. In more formal contexts, you might consider alternatives, but "that can have" is generally acceptable.