can be appropriate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be appropriate" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
For example, you could use it in a sentence such as "The choice of words you use in a given situation can be appropriate depending on the context."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The scale and materials can be appropriate, but it doesn't have to be a clone.

The New York Times

Residential rehabilitation can be appropriate for some people and needs to be an option.

The Guardian

"I think that in certain times both philosophies and approaches can be appropriate," he said.

The New Yorker

He noted that there can be appropriate exemptions from flip taxes.

The New York Times

It can be appropriate if you use it rather than letting it use you.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There may be situations when futile care can be appropriate, one doctor says.

The New York Times

"It can be appropriate," said Mr. Cavanagh, currently co-chief executive of JPMorgan's investment bank.

The New York Times

Mr. Sirulnick said that under the right circumstances high school students can be appropriate subjects for reality television shows.

The New York Times - Arts

Which in turn suggests the reason that reparations can be appropriate between nations, and disastrous within them.

The Washington Post

When mean flow velocity is high, Thomas equation can be appropriate for describing ice slurry viscosity.

International Journal of Heat and Fluid Flow

Activities can be appropriate for one afternoon, a six week project, or can be incorporated into a longer program.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be appropriate" to suggest that a course of action or choice is suitable under certain conditions, but not necessarily in all situations. It indicates conditional validity.

Common error

Avoid using "can be appropriate" excessively in your writing. Overusing it can make your writing sound hesitant or lacking in confidence. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "may be suitable", "could be fitting", or "might be applicable" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be appropriate" functions as a modal qualifier, indicating that something is conditionally suitable or permissible. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and common. This phrase is useful to express that something is appropriate under specific conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

29%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be appropriate" is a versatile expression used to indicate that something is conditionally suitable or permissible. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academia, the phrase carries a neutral to formal tone. It serves the purpose of qualifying statements and indicating that the suitability of something depends on specific circumstances. When writing, it's crucial to avoid overusing this phrase, as it can make your writing sound hesitant. Instead, consider synonyms like "may be suitable" or "could be fitting" to maintain clarity and confidence. The phrase is definitely "can be appropriate" in many cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be suitable

Replaces "can" with "may", suggesting a possibility rather than a general permissibility.

could be fitting

Substitutes "appropriate" with "fitting", implying a good match or correspondence.

might be applicable

Uses "applicable" instead of "appropriate", emphasizing relevance to a specific situation.

may prove fitting

Combines "may" to indicate possibility and "fitting" to suggest a harmonious match.

could be advisable

Replaces "appropriate" with "advisable", focusing on the recommendation or suggestion aspect.

might be judicious

Uses "judicious" to indicate that the decision is wise and well-considered.

may be well-suited

Emphasizes the idea of being particularly suitable or compatible.

could align well

Focuses on alignment or agreement, implying that something fits harmoniously with existing standards or expectations.

might represent a good fit

Expresses the idea of a match or compatibility, with emphasis on it being positive.

may stand as acceptable

Uses "acceptable" instead of "appropriate", shifting the focus to meeting a minimum standard or requirement.

FAQs

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

The phrase "can be appropriate" indicates that something is suitable or fitting in certain circumstances. For example, "Wearing casual clothes can be appropriate for a picnic, but not for a formal dinner".

What phrases are similar to "can be appropriate"?

Alternatives include "may be suitable", "could be fitting", or "might be applicable", each offering a slightly different nuance of suitability.

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

"Can be appropriate" suggests conditional suitability, whereas "is appropriate" implies that something is suitable in all cases. Use "can be appropriate" when the suitability depends on specific circumstances.

What's the difference between "can be appropriate" and "should be appropriate"?

"Can be appropriate" suggests that something is permissible or suitable, while "should be appropriate" implies a stronger recommendation or expectation that it's the right choice. The latter carries a sense of obligation or advisability.