because they can be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "because they can be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to explain a reason or justification for something that is possible or capable of happening. Example: "Many people choose to work from home because they can be more productive in a comfortable environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They're better people because they can be.

The New York Times

One answer is: because they can be.

The New York Times

They are being assaulted because they can be assaulted.

The New Yorker

She likes jigsaws because they can be assembled neatly in a finite amount of time.

The New York Times - Science

Metals are important largely because they can be easily deformed into useful shapes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Certain metaphors and symbols, because they can be identified throughout world literature, have been called archetypal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Owners often prefer empty flats because they can be traded more easily.

The New York Times

Voters have to watch for them, because they can be fleeting.

The New York Times

These wheelchairs are very popular because they can be easily folded for transportation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But I also think they are likely to invite scrutiny because they can be particularly rich.

The New York Times

"We do observe a no-clown policy because they can be scary for some kids".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "because they can be" to provide a clear and direct explanation for why something is possible or likely. Ensure the context makes it evident what 'they' refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "because they can be" when the subject 'they' is ambiguous or not clearly defined in the preceding context. Always ensure the pronoun has a clear antecedent to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "because they can be" functions as a causal connector, introducing a clause that explains the reason or justification for a preceding statement. Ludwig's examples show its use in explaining capabilities, possibilities, and reasons behind actions or states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

29%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "because they can be" is a versatile causal connector used to provide explanations for capabilities, possibilities, or conditions. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. When writing, ensure the pronoun 'they' has a clear reference and consider more formal alternatives like "due to their capacity to be" for academic or professional contexts. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate usage, writers can effectively use "because they can be" to enhance clarity and provide insightful reasoning in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

since they are capable of being

Replaces "because" with "since" and uses a more formal "capable of being".

seeing as they are able to be

Replaces "because" with "seeing as" for a more conversational tone.

as they have the potential to be

Emphasizes potential rather than current ability.

they are able to be, so

Inverts the sentence structure to place emphasis on their capability.

given their ability to be

Highlights the inherent ability as the reason.

due to their capacity to be

Uses a more formal tone with "due to" and "capacity".

they have what it takes to be, therefore

Emphasizes having the necessary qualities or resources.

owing to their possibility of being

Emphasizes the possibility and uses formal language.

in light of their aptitude to be

Highlights aptitude or inherent skill.

considering their power to be

Focuses on the inherent power or strength to be something.

FAQs

How can I use "because they can be" in a sentence?

Use "because they can be" to explain why something is possible or likely due to the inherent capabilities or properties of the subject. For example: "Virtual and cloud assets make this possible "because they can be controlled by software"".

What are some alternatives to "because they can be"?

You can use alternatives like "since they are capable of being", "as they have the potential to be", or "due to their capacity to be" depending on the desired tone and emphasis.

Is it always appropriate to use "because they can be" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "owing to their possibility of being" or "due to their capacity to be" in highly formal contexts for enhanced precision and sophistication.

What's the difference between "because they can be" and "because they are"?

"Because they can be" suggests a potential or capability, whereas "because they are" indicates a current state or condition. For example, "Vintage pickups appeal to some "because they can be relatively easy to repair"" (capability) versus "Families are crazy "because they are"" (current state).