water can

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'water can' is technically correct but it is not commonly used in written English.
It is more commonly used in spoken English. Here is an example of how it could be used in written English: "I remembered to grab a water can for camping, so we'd have plenty of water to drink during the trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Hot Water Can Kill".

The New York Times - Arts

Water can solve our problem".

The Guardian

The water can be rough.

The New York Times - Travel

Nothing — not even water — can be added.

The New York Times - Travel

Too much water can ruin the floor.

The New York Times

Lunch and water can be purchased.

The New York Times

There's only so much water can do.

The Guardian

Anything that's alive in this water can no longer reproduce.

The New York Times - Magazine

Even drinking water can be treated with larvicide".

The Guardian

But bottled water can be an expensive alternative.

The New York Times

Fire and water can at least be isolated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "water can", ensure the context clearly indicates either the capability of water itself (e.g., "water can erode rock") or refers to a container for water (e.g., "I need a water can for the garden").

Common error

Avoid using "water can" when a more precise term would improve clarity. For instance, instead of "water can be polluted", specify "water is susceptible to pollution" or "water can easily become polluted" to provide a more descriptive statement.

Linguistic Context

"Water can" primarily functions as a subject-verb construction, where "water" is the subject and "can" is a modal verb indicating ability, possibility, or permission. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "water can" is a versatile phrase that effectively expresses the abilities and potential actions of water, or to indicates a container for water. While grammatically straightforward and widely accepted, the precise meaning depends heavily on context. The phrase finds frequent usage in news, informational, and scientific settings. Ludwig AI analysis and abundant examples showcase that this phrase is correct and well-understood, suitable for a wide range of communicative purposes. Its simple construction allows for clear communication about the characteristics and uses of water.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

water is capable of

Highlights water's inherent capacity to perform actions.

water is able to

Emphasizes the capability of water, substituting the modal verb.

water's capacity to

Focuses on the limitations and capabilities of water based on its attributes.

water has the ability to

Replaces the modal verb with a noun phrase to express capability.

water could

Uses an alternative modal verb to express possibility or conditional ability.

the potential of water to

Shifts the focus to the inherent potential that water possesses.

water will be able to

Indicates a future capability or possibility for water.

it is possible for water to

Focuses on the possibility of water performing an action.

water might

Expresses a lower degree of certainty or probability.

there is a chance water will

Emphasizes the probabilistic aspect of water's actions.

FAQs

How can I use "water can" in a sentence?

You can use "water can" to describe a capability of water, such as "water can dissolve certain minerals", or to refer to a container for water, like "I need a watering can for my plants".

What are some alternatives to saying "water can"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "water is able to", "water is capable of", or "water has the ability to".

Is it grammatically correct to say "water can"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Water" functions as a noun and "can" as a modal verb indicating possibility or capability. However, the specific meaning depends on the context.

What is the difference between "water can" and "water could"?

"Water can" generally implies a present or general ability or possibility, whereas "water could" often suggests a conditional or past possibility.