can be even

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be even" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has the potential to reach a greater degree or extent than previously mentioned. Example: "The results of the experiment can be even more surprising than we initially thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Androids can be even worse.

The New York Times - Tech

The police can be even less sympathetic.

The New Yorker

You can be even more specific.

Independent

Downwind can be even more difficult.

The New Yorker

And "weird," misapplied, can be even worse.

The New Yorker

The impact can be even greater locally.

The Economist

The political writing can be even better.

The New York Times - Books

Retail cost can be even higher.

The New York Times - Food

It can be even and odd parity.

Optics Communications

The answers can be even harder.

The New York Times

No, he can be even better.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be even" when comparing scenarios and emphasizing that the second scenario has the potential to exceed the first in some measurable way. For example, "The financial impact of this decision is substantial, but the social impact "can be even" greater."

Common error

Avoid using "can be even" when there is no clear point of comparison. For example, instead of saying "This situation "can be even" difficult", provide context by adding 'than previously thought' or comparing it to a similar situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be even" functions as a comparative intensifier, suggesting that something has the potential to reach a greater degree or extent than previously mentioned. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be even" is a versatile tool for emphasizing potential outcomes and comparisons. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It is prevalent in news and media, scientific contexts, and informal writing. When using "can be even", it's important to ensure there is a clear point of comparison to avoid ambiguity. The phrase effectively highlights possibilities and can add emphasis when comparing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be even

Replaces "can" with "might", indicating a slightly lower probability.

could be even

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

may be even

Replaces "can" with "may", indicating possibility or permission.

is potentially even

Uses "potentially" to emphasize the possibility of reaching a greater degree.

is possibly even

Employs "possibly" to indicate a degree of uncertainty.

can also be

Replaces "even" with "also", indicating an additional possibility without emphasizing degree.

is also able to be

More formal alternative that still shows an additional possibility.

can in fact be

Highlights the reality or possibility.

can actually be

Uses "actually" to express a surprising or unexpected possibility.

is capable of being

A more formal and elaborate way of expressing the potential for something to reach a certain state.

FAQs

How to use "can be even" in a sentence?

Use "can be even" to emphasize that something has the potential to reach a greater degree or extent than something previously mentioned. For example, "The initial investment is high, but the long-term returns "can be even" higher".

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

You can use alternatives like "might be even", "could be even", or "may be even" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be even" or "can be more"?

"Can be even" is used to suggest that something has the potential to surpass a previous state or condition. "Can be more" is a broader statement suggesting an increase in quantity or quality, but without necessarily exceeding a specific prior condition. The choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "can be even" and "can also be"?

"Can be even" implies a comparison, suggesting something might surpass a previous state or condition. "Can also be" simply adds another possibility without the comparative aspect. For example, "The solution is effective, and it "can also be" cost-effective" adds another benefit, whereas "it "can be even" more effective" suggests it might exceed expectations.