can arguably be

USAGE SUMMARY

"can arguably be" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is typically used when expressing an opinion or belief that can be debated or challenged. Example: The ending of the movie can arguably be interpreted as a metaphor for the cyclical nature of life.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It can arguably be viewed as a new book!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Strengths can arguably be identified in a variety of ways.

Harvard Business Review

Often, statutory or other licensing requirements exist which can, arguably, be applied to IXPs.

Harvard University

Additionally, while it can arguably be used by non-specialists, it requires some familiarisation and training27.

Nature

If its perceived potential can be realized, then it can arguably be regarded as a "disruptive" technology.

Nanostructure Control of Materials

(The idea can arguably be traced back as far as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, built around 600BC).

The Economist

Eve can arguably be credited with popularising the hot-cloth cleansing method, to which I am devoted.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Façades are the physical barriers between outdoors and indoors, and their upgrade can arguably be amongst the most effective interventions to improve the existing stock.

Energy and Buildings

When the same battery chemistry can arguably be used in either a flow or static electrode design, the relative merits of either design choice become of interest.

Journal of Power Sources

Those smoke signals bartenders are reading can arguably be traced back to Tailor, the bygone SoHo restaurant where Mr. Freeman was the barman.

The New York Times - Food

(This idea can, arguably, be detected in "War and Peace," in which Pierre's pacifism is referred to by the elder Prince Bolkonsky as "women's nonsense").

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can arguably be", consider the audience and adjust the level of certainty accordingly. For a skeptical audience, provide more supporting evidence; for a receptive audience, less may be needed.

Common error

Avoid using "can arguably be" when the statement is a well-established fact or a widely accepted truth. This can weaken your argument and make you appear uncertain or uninformed. Reserve this phrase for situations where genuine debate or alternative interpretations are possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can arguably be" functions as a hedge, softening a statement and indicating that it's an opinion or interpretation rather than an absolute fact. It suggests the statement is open to debate or alternative viewpoints. Ludwig AI supports this usage, highlighting the phrase's prevalence in expressing debatable ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can arguably be" is a versatile phrase used to express opinions or interpretations that are open to debate. It functions as a hedge, softening claims and acknowledging alternative perspectives. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and high frequency across diverse sources such as news, academic writing, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, it's best practice to ensure the context provides adequate support for the argument, while avoiding its use for statements that are already widely accepted facts. Alternatives like "could plausibly be" or "might reasonably be" can be used to fine-tune the level of certainty or emphasis. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "can arguably be" into your writing to convey nuanced and balanced viewpoints.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could plausibly be

Replaces "can" with "could", suggesting possibility, and "arguably" with "plausibly", indicating believability.

might reasonably be

Substitutes "can" with "might", indicating a lower probability, and "arguably" with "reasonably", suggesting justification.

may debatably be

Replaces "can" with "may", implying possibility, and "arguably" with "debatably", emphasizing the contentious nature of the statement.

is possibly

Simplifies the phrase to a more direct statement of possibility.

is conceivably

Replaces the modal verb and adverb with a single adverb emphasizing conceivability.

is potentially

Indicates something has the capacity to be something else.

is purportedly

Suggests something is said to be the case, though perhaps not verifiably.

is allegedly

Indicates the statement is an allegation and not yet proven.

is rumored to be

Conveys that the statement is based on rumors or hearsay.

is thought to be

Implies that something is considered or believed to be the case.

FAQs

How to use "can arguably be" in a sentence?

Use "can arguably be" to introduce a claim that is debatable or not universally accepted. For example, "The film "can arguably be" considered a masterpiece, despite its controversial ending."

What can I say instead of "can arguably be"?

You can use alternatives like "could plausibly be", "might reasonably be", or "may debatably be" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "can arguably be"?

It's appropriate to use "can arguably be" when presenting an opinion or interpretation that is open to discussion and not a definitively proven fact. It suggests a balanced perspective, acknowledging that other viewpoints are valid.

Is "can arguably be" too weak of a statement?

Whether it's too weak depends on the context. If you want to express a strong conviction, avoid it. However, if you aim to present a balanced and nuanced perspective, "can arguably be" is appropriate. Consider strengthening your statement with stronger evidence or more direct phrasing if needed.