can be effective

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be effective" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the possibility that something can be successful or have a positive result. For example: "I think this approach can be effective in resolving the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That oddness can be effective.

The New Yorker

It can be effective.

The New York Times - Sports

Nevertheless, the ordinance can be effective.

The New York Times

Even then the tactic can be effective.

Independent

Sometimes even simpler methods can be effective.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(After all, terrorism can be effective).

The New Yorker

But it can be effective and simple.

The New York Times

- but it can be effective.

The Guardian

Demonstrating vulnerability can be effective.

Harvard Business Review

It can be effective for only minutes.

The New York Times

This can be effective or problematic.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a potential solution, follow "can be effective" with a specific explanation of how it achieves the desired result to provide context and build confidence in your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "can be effective" when a more definitive statement is warranted. If there's strong evidence of effectiveness, use phrases like "is proven to work" or "has a significant impact" to convey greater confidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be effective" functions as a modal phrase expressing possibility or potential. It indicates that something has the ability to produce a desired result, but the outcome is not guaranteed. Ludwig provides examples across different contexts, showing its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be effective" is a versatile expression used to suggest the potential for a successful outcome. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic writing. While "can be effective" is common, it's important to use it judiciously, ensuring that the level of certainty matches the available evidence. Overstating the effectiveness might mislead the reader. By understanding its nuances and considering alternatives like "may prove useful" or "could be beneficial", you can enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has the potential to work

Explicitly states the possibility of achieving a desired result or function.

could be beneficial

Highlights the potential advantages or positive outcomes.

has the capacity to deliver

Highlights the ability to provide or achieve a specific result.

is capable of producing results

Highlights the inherent ability to generate outcomes.

may prove useful

Emphasizes potential utility or helpfulness. Shifts focus from effectiveness to practical use.

might offer a solution

Suggests the possibility of resolving a problem or challenge.

may yield positive outcomes

Focuses on the possibility of achieving favorable results.

could generate success

Emphasizes the potential for achieving a successful outcome.

may be instrumental

Suggests a potential key role or essential contribution.

might have an impact

Focuses on the potential influence or effect.

FAQs

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

The phrase "can be effective" is used to suggest that something has the potential to produce a desired result. For example, "This strategy "can be effective" if implemented correctly."

What are some alternatives to "can be effective"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "may prove useful", "could be beneficial", or "might have an impact".

Is it better to say "can be effective" or "is effective"?

"Can be effective" suggests a possibility, while "is effective" states a fact. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the certainty of the effectiveness you're describing.

What's the difference between "can be effective" and "can be efficient"?

"Can be effective" means something has the potential to achieve a desired outcome, while "can be efficient" suggests something can achieve a desired outcome with minimal waste of time or resources.