as can be told

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'as can be told' is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
You can use this expression to show that something is obvious or easily understandable from the evidence. For example, "The bridge had clearly been damaged by the storm, as can be told from the debris scattered everywhere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

These tracks have, so far as can be told, never been bootlegged.

The Guardian - Music

Using the biotechnology industry in the 1980s (an emerging patenting area then) as an example, we find no empirical evidence that the EPO provided maximal or optimal assessment quality as far as can be told from bibliographic indicators.

Research Policy

Here it is, along with captions that he wrote for a younger relative: thirteen typed lines, as succinct a story of 1915 as can be told.

The New Yorker

As best as can be told, they are not suspected of terrorism, a point that led civil libertarians to condemn this "dragnet approach".

The New York Times

As best as can be told, the only ones going out of their way to breach his privacy these days are the mayor and his hired help.

The New York Times

As far as can be told, no one did any polling, unlike Bill Clinton's former adviser Dick Morris, who incurred the president's wrath in 1995 when he went so far as to suggest that his surveys showed a presidential camping vacation would play well with swing voters.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

As well, students can be told what they can expect to learn.

Johns Hopkins University

I'm cool as can be!" he tells Betty.

The Guardian - Books

This is a volume, dry as can be, that tells you every history-related site that was on the Internet in the year 2000.

The New Yorker

SOMETIMES the absence of something can be as telling as its presence.

The Economist

As you can tell, it can be a rat race in more ways than one.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger, more direct alternatives if the context calls for a more assertive tone. Phrases like "clearly" or "obviously" can sometimes be more effective.

Common error

Avoid overusing "as can be told" in highly formal or academic contexts, as it can sometimes come across as slightly informal or conversational. Opt for more concise and direct expressions in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as can be told" functions as an introductory phrase, typically preceding a clause that presents an observation or conclusion easily inferred from available information. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its role in setting up statements that are self-evident.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

29%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as can be told" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce statements that are easily inferred from the available evidence. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it's most frequently found in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral register. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability, noting its use in presenting objective conclusions. When writing, consider the context; while generally appropriate, more direct alternatives may be preferable in highly formal settings. Consider using related phrases such as "as is evident" or "as is discernible" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as is evident

Focuses more directly on the obvious nature of something.

as is apparent

Highlights the clear visibility or understanding of a situation.

as is discernible

Emphasizes the ability to perceive or distinguish something.

as one can gather

Implies information is collected from various sources to reach a conclusion.

from what one can see

Focuses on visual evidence and observation.

to all appearances

Suggests something is true based on outward indications.

judging by appearances

Indicates a conclusion based on superficial observation.

as far as one can judge

Highlights personal assessment and potential subjectivity.

it would seem

Expresses a tentative conclusion or assumption.

apparently

Implies information is based on what is generally believed or understood.

FAQs

How can I use "as can be told" in a sentence?

You can use "as can be told" to introduce a statement that is easily inferred from the available evidence. For example, "The project was successful, "as can be told" from the positive results."

What's a simple way to rephrase "as can be told"?

A simpler alternative to "as can be told" could be "evidently" or "apparently", depending on the specific context.

Which is more suitable, "as can be told" or "as can be seen"?

The choice between "as can be told" and "as can be seen" depends on whether the information is inferred through observation or general knowledge. Use "as can be seen" for visual evidence and "as can be told" for broader inferences.

What phrases express a similar degree of certainty to "as can be told"?

Phrases like "as is evident" or "as is apparent" convey a similar level of certainty, suggesting something is easily understandable from the information available.