can be doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be doing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone has the potential to be doing something, as in the sentence "I can be doing more to help the environment".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It can be doing anything.

The New York Times

You wonder what you can be doing.

The New York Times

Doing over can be doing good — for once.

The New York Times

This is the most exciting thing I can be doing.

The New York Times

"There is much more that we can be doing here".

The New York Times

"You can be doing all the right things," she said.

The New York Times

"Are there areas where we can be doing better?

The New York Times

So now you can be doing things while you're exercising.

The New York Times

Your money can be doing good and seeing healthy returns.

The Guardian

So there are a whole range of things that we can be doing.

The New York Times

There's always something you can be doing, even if it's just shredding documents all afternoon.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be doing" to describe ongoing actions or possibilities. For example, "You "can be doing" great things if you stay focused."

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of the continuous form with "can" can sound less direct. Consider using simpler alternatives like "can do" in formal contexts to maintain clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be doing" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing possibility, ability, or permission in relation to an ongoing action. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples include "You "can be doing" all the right things" and "There's always something you "can be doing"".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be doing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates a potential or permissible ongoing action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves the purpose of suggesting possibilities and assessing ongoing activities. While versatile, it's advisable to use it judiciously in formal contexts, opting for more direct alternatives like "can do" when appropriate. The related phrases, such as "could be doing" and "might be doing", offer subtle variations in meaning, allowing for more precise expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be doing

Changes the degree of certainty, suggesting a possibility rather than a capability.

might be doing

Indicates a lower probability or possibility compared to "can".

may be doing

Similar to 'might be doing', expressing possibility or permission.

are able to do

Shifts the focus to ability rather than ongoing action.

have the capacity to do

Emphasizes potential and capability in a more formal way.

are in a position to do

Focuses on the circumstances that allow an action.

are capable of doing

Highlights the inherent ability to perform an action.

can potentially do

Adds emphasis on the possibility of an action.

are permitted to do

Indicates that permission has been granted for a specific action.

will be doing

Shifts the timeframe to the future, indicating a future action.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be doing" to describe a possible ongoing action, like "He "can be doing" his homework right now" or "They "can be doing" more to help the community".

What are some alternatives to "can be doing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "could be doing", "might be doing", or "are able to do".

Is "can be doing" grammatically correct?

Yes, "can be doing" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure of an auxiliary verb ("can") followed by the verb "be" and a present participle ("doing").

What's the difference between "can do" and "can be doing"?

"Can do" refers to a general ability or possibility, while "can be doing" refers to a specific action that is possibly in progress. For example, "I can play the piano" (general ability) vs. "I "can be doing" that wrong" (specific, ongoing action).