can admittedly be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can admittedly be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when acknowledging a certain truth or fact about a situation or statement, often implying a level of honesty or concession. Example: "The results of the experiment can admittedly be interpreted in multiple ways, depending on the perspective of the researcher."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The burden of disclosure on the prosecution can, admittedly, be onerous and this is not matched by similar obligations on the defence.

The Economist

If Smith had included some more jokes, then the by-the-numbers plotting might not have mattered, but the humour begins and ends with the dialogue's gobsmacking rudeness (which can, admittedly, be quite funny).

Independent

And while it can admittedly be difficult to discern their virtues from, say, the back of an ancient 22-Fillmore crawling across San Francisco's 16th Street, buses do things for our communities no Uber limo or self-driving podcar can ever achieve.

The Guardian

Interviews can, admittedly, be cancelled for all sorts of reasons and the sensitivity about one of our questions could simply be down to an overzealous press officer.

BBC

There is truth in this stereotype of him, as there can admittedly be in stereotypes -- but I love him best as a truly lighthearted writer with a surprising sense of humor.

Huffington Post

My assessment of what people tell me is based partly on how much I trust them (which can admittedly be flawed; such things are highly subjective judgment calls), but mostly my read of the political dynamic, which is of course different for each of the players.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

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Vice

This can take several hours, and admittedly is free, but is it really worth the time and effort that you would have to put into it?

WikiHow

This is the place where I'd usually say, "Congress decided that in 2016, NIH can make do with $50,000," which, admittedly, is more than was raised by the Lincoln Chafee presidential campaign.

Science Magazine

(History, admittedly, is short.

The New Yorker

Recycling, admittedly, is difficult.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can admittedly be", ensure that the statement following it is actually something that might be seen as a negative or a limitation. This reinforces the phrase's intended purpose as an admission.

Common error

Avoid using "can admittedly be" when there's no element of concession or potential downside being acknowledged. Using it for straightforward positive statements weakens its impact and makes your writing sound awkward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can admittedly be" functions as a hedge or a concessive marker. It serves to acknowledge a potential drawback or limitation, often softening a statement or preparing the reader for a counter-argument. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it is often followed by a contrasting or mitigating clause.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can admittedly be" is a useful tool for acknowledging potential drawbacks or limitations in a statement. It builds credibility by showing awareness of different perspectives and softening potentially controversial points. While Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, it's most effective when followed by a contrasting or mitigating explanation. Given its frequency across diverse sources, mastering its use can significantly enhance the nuance and sophistication of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can in fact be

Highlights the reality or actuality of a situation, adding emphasis to the truth.

may indeed be

Emphasizes the truth or validity of a statement, offering a slightly stronger affirmation.

can potentially be

Focuses on the possibility or capability of something occurring.

may arguably be

Replaces "admittedly" with "arguably", shifting the focus to a debatable point rather than a direct admission.

can realistically be

Adds a sense of practicality or feasibility to the statement.

could conceivably be

Suggests a possibility or potential, rather than a direct acknowledgement.

is admittedly capable of being

Rephrases the sentence to highlight the capability, while still acknowledging a known aspect.

is admittedly able to be

Similar to the previous alternative, this focuses on the ability to be in a certain state.

might possibly be

Expresses a lower probability and less certainty than "can admittedly be".

can surprisingly be

Introduces an element of unexpectedness or astonishment.

FAQs

How do I use "can admittedly be" in a sentence?

Use "can admittedly be" to acknowledge a point that may be seen as a weakness or limitation before explaining why it's not a major issue or why it's outweighed by other factors. For example: "The process "can admittedly be" time-consuming, but the results are worth it."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "can admittedly be"?

Similar phrases include "may indeed be", "can in fact be", and "might possibly be". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to follow "can admittedly be" with a contrasting point?

While not strictly required, it's best practice to follow "can admittedly be" with a contrasting or mitigating point to show you've considered the potential drawback and are offering a balanced perspective. This enhances your argument and builds credibility.

What's the difference between "can admittedly be" and "is undeniably"?

"Can admittedly be" acknowledges a possible downside or limitation, while "is undeniably" asserts something as a definite and certain truth. Use "can admittedly be" when you want to concede a point, and "is undeniably" when you want to emphasize a fact.