can be different

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "can be different" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it anytime you want to emphasize that something can vary or vary in its form. For example: "The outcome of this process can be different, depending on the decisions that are made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We can be different, we can even celebrate our differences.

Huffington Post

Housing can be different.

The Economist

The Hermitage can be different".

The New Yorker

— English can be different too.

The New York Times

"Housing markets can be different".

The New York Times

He can be different".

The Guardian - Sport

In football things can be different tomorrow".

Independent

Big financial firms can be different.

The New York Times

This time can be different.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Every case can be different.

The New York Times

"I know things can be different.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be different" to emphasize variability or optionality in a situation. It's especially effective when contrasting possibilities or highlighting unique characteristics.

Common error

Avoid using "can be different" repeatedly within a short passage. Instead, diversify your language with synonyms like "may vary", "can diverge", or "might differ" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be different" functions as a predicate adjective, expressing a potential state of variation or dissimilarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable to use anytime you want to emphasize that something can vary or vary in its form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

24%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be different" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression indicating the potential for variation or dissimilarity. According to Ludwig, it is correct and can be used to emphasize that something may vary in form or characteristics. Ludwig examples show that it’s very common in contexts spanning from news and media to science and academia. While highly frequent and widely accepted, be mindful of overuse, and consider related phrases such as "may vary" or "might differ" for stylistic diversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be distinctive

Focuses on unique characteristics.

can be distinct

Emphasizes a clear and recognizable difference.

can be diverse

Focuses on variety within a group.

can be various

Similar to diverse, but may imply less organization.

can be divergent

Emphasizes branching off in different directions.

can be various kinds

Highlights different types within a category.

can be disparate

Stresses a fundamental difference or inequality.

can be dissimilar

Focuses on the lack of resemblance.

can be other

Highlights the possibility of an alternative.

can be several

Highlights the possibility of multiple options.

FAQs

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

The phrase "can be different" is used to indicate that something has the potential to vary or diverge. For example, "The results "can be different" depending on the approach".

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

You can use alternatives like "may vary", "might differ", or "can diverge" depending on the context.

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

"Can be different" indicates a possibility or potential for variation, whereas "is different" states a current, factual difference. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "can be different" and "can be the same"?

"Can be different" implies variability, while "can be the same" suggests a possibility of uniformity. They represent opposite ends of a spectrum regarding potential outcomes or characteristics.