can also be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'can also be' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that there is more than one possibility or outcome in a particular situation. For example, "Energy can be generated from the sun, wind and water, but it can also be generated from fossil fuels."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He can also be playful.

The New York Times

It can also be puzzling.

The New York Times

He can also be vague.

The New York Times

It can also be spineless.

The New York Times

It can also be costly.

The New York Times

Discipline can also be overrated.

The New York Times

It can also be deadly.

The Economist

It can also be unnerving.

The New Yorker

They can also be dangerous.

The New York Times

Barns can also be sad.

The New Yorker

It can also be dangerous.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can also be" to introduce additional possibilities or characteristics without negating previous statements. It helps build upon information, showing different facets of a subject.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "can also be". Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can also be" functions as an auxiliary verb phrase indicating a possibility or additional characteristic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and examples illustrate its usage across various contexts to introduce alternative states or qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can also be" is a versatile phrase used to introduce additional possibilities or characteristics. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While very common, it's advisable to avoid overuse for stylistic reasons. Consider synonyms like "may additionally be" or "could likewise be" to add variety to your writing. Be sure to reserve the phrase for situations that describe possibilities rather than definite attributes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may additionally be

Replaces "can" with "may" and "also" with "additionally", altering the degree of certainty and emphasis.

could likewise be

Substitutes "can" with "could" and "also" with "likewise", suggesting a conditional possibility and similarity to a previous statement.

might simultaneously be

Replaces "can" with "might" and "also" with "simultaneously", implying a lower probability and concurrent occurrence.

can similarly exist as

Adds "exist as" to rephrase, focusing on the state of existence and using "similarly" to link it to a previous point.

is furthermore capable of being

Emphasizes capability with "capable of being" and adds formality with "furthermore".

likewise has the potential to be

Focuses on potential, replacing "can" with "has the potential to" and "also" with "likewise".

further serves as

Shifts focus to function and purpose, replacing "be" with "serves as" and adding "further" for emphasis.

additionally functions as

Similar to "further serves as" but with slightly different emphasis on the functional aspect.

can sometimes be used as

Highlights occasional usage by adding the term "sometimes" and emphasizing its employment as "used as".

subsequently has the capacity to be

Emphasizes a later development with "subsequently" and highlights the ability to be by using "has the capacity to be".

FAQs

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

"Can also be" introduces an additional possibility or characteristic. For example, "This solution is effective and "can also be" cost-effective".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "may additionally be", "could likewise be", or "might simultaneously be".

Is there a difference between "can also be" and "can be also"?

"Can also be" is the correct and standard word order. "Can be also" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided.

When is it appropriate to use "can also be" instead of "is also"?

"Can also be" suggests a possibility or capability, while "is also" states a fact. Use "can also be" when something has the potential to be something else, and "is also" when something definitively possesses an additional quality.