can be do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be do" is not correct in written English.
It does not convey a clear meaning and is likely a grammatical error. Example: "This task can be do by anyone who is willing to learn." (should be "can be done")

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The question can be, do they go to hospital or do they get drugs?" Millar examines the hose.

The Guardian - Money

We see how uncertain a future in science can be, do what we can to improve our odds, hold our data close, and keep working.

Science Magazine

Because if you OWN WHO YOU ARE you can be, do and say whatever you want.

Vice

Weddings, for however lovely and fun-filled they can be, do have some seriously crappy drawbacks that deserved to be acknowledged.

Huffington Post

It offers you the notion that you can be, do and have anything in the world you want, and then it offers a blueprint for achieving just that.

Huffington Post

I said, No!" When the child carries her own purse, the question can be, "Do you have enough money to buy it?" Putting your kid in charge of her own purse can be a real lifesaver when your cranky child is at the grocery store, and later on when she becomes a teen.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

More can be done.

The New York Times

This can be done.

The New Yorker

Because it can be done".

The New York Times

So it can be done.

The New York Times - Sports

This can be done again.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing the possibility of an action, use the correct passive form "can be done" instead of the grammatically incorrect "can be do".

Common error

Avoid using base forms of verbs after auxiliary verbs like "be". The correct form after "be" is usually the past participle (e.g., "done", "performed", "achieved"). Instead of writing "The task can be do", write "The task "can be done"".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be do" functions as an incorrect attempt to express possibility or capability. Grammatically, it fails because it uses the base form of the verb "do" after the auxiliary verb "be", violating standard English syntax. As Ludwig AI suggests, this requires correction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be do" is a grammatically incorrect construction. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is advisable to use the correct passive form, such as ""can be done"", or alternative phrases like "can be achieved" or "is possible", to accurately express the intended meaning. While some examples of this incorrect usage exist, it is best to avoid it in formal writing and speech to maintain clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be done

Replaces the incorrect "do" with the past participle "done" to form a grammatically correct passive construction.

can be performed

Substitutes "do" with the more formal "performed", maintaining the passive voice and expressing the possibility of an action.

can be achieved

Replaces "do" with "achieved", emphasizing the successful completion of an action or goal.

can be accomplished

Similar to "can be achieved", but with a slightly different nuance, suggesting a skillful or efficient completion.

is possible to do

Restructures the sentence to use "possible", highlighting the feasibility of an action.

is able to be done

Expresses the capacity or ability for an action to be completed, using a more verbose construction.

can be executed

Replaces "do" with the more formal "executed", often used in technical or business contexts.

can be realized

Similar to "can be achieved", but suggests a more concrete or tangible outcome.

can be implemented

Focuses on the practical application or execution of a plan or idea.

is feasible to do

Highlights the practicality and viability of performing an action.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say something can be accomplished?

The correct way to express that something can be accomplished is to say it ""can be done"", or "can be achieved". The phrase "can be do" is grammatically incorrect.

How do I use "can be done" in a sentence?

You can use ""can be done"" to indicate that something is possible or feasible to accomplish. For example: "The project "can be done" with enough resources".

What are some alternatives to "can be done"?

Alternatives to ""can be done"" include "can be achieved", "can be accomplished", "is possible", or "is feasible".

Is "can be do" ever correct?

No, the phrase "can be do" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. The correct phrasing is ""can be done"".