can be achieving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be achieving" is not correct in standard written English.
It is not a usable construction as it combines the modal verb "can" with the present participle "achieving" in a way that does not convey a clear meaning. Example: "Success can be achieving through hard work and dedication." (This should be rephrased for clarity.)

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"But it's more about being the best I can be, achieving my potential.

BBC

This can be achieving in an in vitro stepwise procedure where the parameters of the process can be manipulated in order to control the length of the flagella.

Nano Convergence

On the other hand, particle controllability such as control of detached to attached condition by divertor pumping is improved by increase the strike point distance from 20 to 120 mm with above divertor geometry, suggesting that recover from severe detachment at the small distance case can be achieving by elevation of the strike point locations.

Fusion Engineering and Design

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Both can be achieved.

The Guardian - Opinion

None can be achieved in isolation".

The New York Times

Everything can be achieved over wireless networks.

Independent

But the balance can be achieved.

The New York Times - Health

Nothing can be achieved overnight.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are signs this can be achieved.

The New York Times - Science

It can be achieved with spending reductions.

The Guardian

The same can be achieved for banking.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the construction "can be achieving" in formal writing. Opt for clearer and grammatically correct alternatives like "can be achieved" or "can be attained".

Common error

A frequent mistake is to combine modal verbs like "can" directly with the present participle in a way that implies continuous action. Instead, ensure that the modal verb is followed by a base verb or a properly conjugated auxiliary verb to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be achieving" attempts to express possibility combined with ongoing action; however, it's not a standard grammatical construction. Ludwig AI indicates this is not a usable construction as it combines the modal verb "can" with the present participle.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be achieving" is grammatically incorrect and not recommended for use in standard written English. While it appears in a few contexts, including news and scientific articles, it is best to use alternatives like ""can be achieved"", ""can be attained"", or ""can be accomplished"" to ensure clarity and correctness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase isn't considered a standard construction, so it should be avoided in formal writing. Focusing on grammatically sound alternatives will improve the quality and credibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be attained

Uses a past participle form to indicate the possibility of reaching a certain level or status, ensuring grammatical correctness.

can be accomplished

Similar to "can be attained", this highlights the feasibility of completing or achieving something.

can be reached

Emphasizes the possibility of arriving at a specific goal or condition.

can be realized

Focuses on the potential for something to become actual or factual, moving from possibility to reality.

can be obtained

Highlights the possibility of acquiring or getting something, often referring to tangible or intangible assets.

can be achieved

A more direct alternative, focusing on the successful completion of an action or reaching a goal.

can be fulfilled

Emphasizes the satisfaction of a requirement, need, or condition.

can be completed

Focuses on the possibility of finishing a task or process.

can be manifested

Highlights the potential for something abstract to become concrete or visible.

can be developed

Focuses on the ability to grow or improve something over time.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use "can be" with a verb?

The phrase "can be" should typically be followed by a past participle (e.g., "can be achieved") or an adjective (e.g., "can be difficult"). Avoid using the present participle (e.g., "achieving") directly after "can be" in formal writing.

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

Alternatives include "can be achieved", "can be attained", or "can be accomplished". These options provide grammatical correctness and clarity.

Is "can be achieving" grammatically correct?

No, "can be achieving" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use "can be achieved" or a similar construction that employs the past participle.

How does the meaning change when using "can be achieved" instead of "can be achieving"?

Using "can be achieved" indicates that something is possible to accomplish or attain. "Can be achieving" is not a standard construction, so it doesn't effectively convey a clear or grammatically sound meaning.