can be breathing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be breathing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the potential for something to be alive or to indicate a state of being alive. Example: "In certain conditions, the organism can be breathing, even when it appears dormant."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A person with this condition can be breathing very fast (hyperventilating).

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Two main components are measured to make the diagnosis: the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), which is the greatest volume of air that can be breathed out in the first second of a breath, and the forced vital capacity (FVC), which is the greatest volume of air that can be breathed out in a single large breath.

Wikipedia

The diagnosis of COPD is confirmed by a test that measures the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), which is the greatest volume of air that can be breathed out in the first second of a large breath.

European Journal of Nutrition

This leaves behind unmetabolised oxygen, which can be breathed again.

The Economist

'DU burns, it releases particulates that can be breathed in, and it doesn't go away,' he says.

The Guardian

At first no-one took this matter seriously because it is not highly radioactive, but on impact uranium turns to dust and can be breathed in.

The Guardian

But when vaporized it can be breathed in and may cause a range of effects, from tremors and nausea at low levels of exposure to irreversible brain and kidney damage at high levels.

The New York Times

THE long-awaited release last month of "Grand Theft Auto V", a violent action-adventure game, showed again how new life can be breathed into an old franchise and also into the current generation of consoles nearing the end of their lifespan.

The Economist

In the lungs the enzyme does the opposite: it changes the bicarbonate back into CO2 so it can be breathed out.

Forbes

The Gauge mode displays a wealth of information for scuba divers including bottom time and decompression steps and has a Maximum Operating Depth planner for determining how deep a particular gas mix can be breathed.

Forbes

For another, the spray can be breathed in accidentally.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be breathing" when you want to express the possibility or potential for someone or something to be alive and respiring, especially in medical or observational contexts.

Common error

In casual conversations, consider simpler alternatives like "is breathing" or "is alive" instead of "can be breathing", which may sound overly formal or cautious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be breathing" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility or potential. It combines the modal verb can with the progressive form be breathing, suggesting an ongoing action that may or may not be occurring. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be breathing" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the potential or possibility of respiration. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. While not extremely common, it appears in diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science and Wiki. When writing, consider whether the simpler alternatives like "may be breathing" or "is possibly breathing" might be more appropriate, especially in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be breathing

Replaces the modal verb "can" with "may", indicating a slightly lower probability.

could be breathing

Substitutes "can" with "could", suggesting a conditional possibility.

might be breathing

Uses "might" instead of "can", conveying a weaker possibility.

is possibly breathing

Replaces the modal verb with an adverb, expressing possibility in a different way.

is perhaps breathing

Uses "perhaps" instead of a modal verb to indicate uncertainty.

is potentially breathing

Emphasizes the potential for respiration.

is able to breathe

Focuses on the ability to perform the action of breathing.

is respiring

Uses the more formal term "respiring" to describe breathing.

is alive and breathing

Adds emphasis by explicitly stating "alive", further clarifying the status.

is exhibiting respiratory function

Expresses the idea in a more technical and clinical manner.

FAQs

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

Use "can be breathing" to indicate the possibility of respiration, as in "Even after apparent drowning, the victim "can be breathing". "

What are some alternatives to "can be breathing"?

Alternatives include "may be breathing", "could be breathing", or "is possibly breathing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Use "can be breathing" when there's uncertainty or when discussing potential scenarios, whereas "is breathing" asserts a definite state of respiration.

What's the difference between ""can be breathing"" and "able to breathe"?

"Can be breathing" focuses on the current or potential state of respiration, while "able to breathe" emphasizes the capacity or ability to respire.