can be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a possibility. For example, "This book can be the answer to all of your questions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It can be both.

The New York Times

Bleeding can be severe.

The New Yorker

Clients can be demanding.

The New York Times - Arts

"Food can be fun.

The New York Times - Food

Noise can be relative.

The New York Times

Anybody can be outrageous!

Independent

They can be corrupt.

The New York Times

Jones can be sneaky.

The New Yorker

Coaches can be paranoid.

The New York Times - Sports

Hindsight can be frustrating.

The Economist

This can be hard.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be" to express possibilities, capabilities, or potentials without implying certainty. It's a versatile phrase applicable across various contexts.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "can be" in your writing. Vary your phrasing by using alternatives like "may be", "could be", or "is capable of being" to add nuance and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be" functions as a modal verb construction used to express possibility, potential, or capability. As noted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to express possibility, capability, or potential. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and widely used in various contexts. It appears most frequently in news and media, as well as in wiki-based content and scientific writing. While "can be" is a useful phrase, varying your language with alternatives like "could be" or "may be" can improve the precision and nuance of your writing. Avoiding over-reliance on "can be" will help you create more engaging and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be

Suggests a possibility or potential, similar to "can be", but often implies a slightly lower probability or a hypothetical situation.

may be

Indicates a possibility or likelihood, functioning as a softer version of "can be".

might be

Similar to "may be" and "could be", suggesting a possibility that is less certain than "can be".

is able to be

Emphasizes the ability or capacity for something to be in a certain state or condition.

has the potential to be

Highlights the inherent possibility for development or transformation.

is capable of being

Focuses on the inherent capability or capacity for something to exist or occur.

is liable to be

Suggests a tendency or probability that something will occur, often with negative connotations.

is known to be

Indicates something is generally recognized or acknowledged to be in a certain state.

is expected to be

Suggests anticipation or prediction of a future state or condition.

is likely to be

Implies a high probability that something will be in a certain state.

FAQs

How to use "can be" in a sentence?

The phrase "can be" expresses possibility or capability. For example, "This medicine "can be" effective for treating headaches" indicates the medicine has the potential to alleviate headaches.

What can I say instead of "can be"?

You can use alternatives like "could be", "may be", or "is able to be" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be" or "can being"?

"Can be" is the correct form. "Can" is a modal verb that requires the base form of the verb, which is "be". "Can being" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "can be" and "must be"?

"Can be" suggests a possibility, while "must be" implies a strong likelihood or certainty. For example, "It "can be" true" suggests it's possible, whereas "It must be true" suggests a high degree of confidence.