but can also be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but can also be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has multiple possibilities or interpretations. Example: "This method is effective for beginners, but can also be useful for advanced users."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They say their experiences in the courthouses are grim, but can also be cathartic.

The New York Times

Involving relatives in the decision making process is admirable, but can also be unfair.

The Guardian

The fish is available packaged but can also be bought hand-sliced to paper thin perfection.

The New York Times

Because the horn is obviously phallic, but can also be used as a cup.

The New Yorker

Friends say he is often reserved and moody but can also be charming and gregarious.

The New York Times

The Zika virus is mainly spread by mosquito bites, but can also be transmitted through sex.

The Guardian

This can help the western reader to get some bearings, but can also be confusing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Stem cells occur naturally in embryos and adult tissues, but can also be grown in laboratories.

The Guardian

Oleds not only save power but can also be "printed" on to almost any surface.

The Guardian

New technologies can do many wonderful things but can also be overwhelming and expensive.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A "yes-but" can also be revisited.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but can also be" to present a contrasting or supplementary characteristic, ensuring clarity by placing it strategically within the sentence to highlight the dual nature of the subject. This adds depth and comprehensiveness to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "but can also be" repetitively in close proximity within your writing, as it can make your text sound monotonous. Vary your sentence structure and use alternative expressions to maintain reader engagement and improve flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but can also be" functions as a conjunction introducing an alternative or additional characteristic, state, or function. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is used to present contrasting or supplementary information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

48%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but can also be" serves as a versatile conjunction to introduce alternative aspects or possibilities, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general writing. When incorporating "but can also be" in your writing, ensure it enhances clarity and avoids overuse to maintain an engaging and varied style. Its frequency and authoritative source support its reliability as a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but it may also be

Replaces "can" with "may", suggesting a possibility rather than a capability.

but it could also be

Substitutes "can" with "could", implying a potential or hypothetical alternative.

but it is also able to be

Emphasizes the ability aspect, making the sentence slightly more formal.

but it additionally can be

Replaces "also" with "additionally", adding emphasis on the supplementary nature.

but it can in addition be

Uses "in addition" instead of "also", providing a slightly more formal tone.

but it can equally be

Changes "also" to "equally", indicating an equal possibility or characteristic.

but it too can be

Uses "too" as a synonym for "also", making the sentence more concise.

but can additionally exist

Focuses on existence as an alternative, altering the context slightly.

however it can also be

Adds "however" to contrast the initial statement, providing a transition.

yet it can also be

Similar to "however", "yet" introduces a contrast or exception.

FAQs

How can I use "but can also be" in a sentence?

Use "but can also be" to introduce an alternative or additional aspect of a subject. For example, "The tool is designed for beginners, "but can also be" utilized by experts".

What are some alternatives to "but can also be"?

You can use alternatives like "but may also be", "but could also be", or "but it is also able to be depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "but can also be"?

While not inherently redundant, overuse of "but can also be" can make writing sound repetitive. Consider varying your sentence structure with alternatives to maintain reader interest.

Which is correct, "but can also be" or "but it can also be"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "but can also be" is more concise and often preferred. "But it can also be" is suitable when "it" refers to a specific subject in the preceding clause.