can be explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be explain" is not correct in English.
The correct form is "can be explained." You can use it when discussing the ability to clarify or make something understandable. Example: "The phenomenon can be explained through various scientific theories."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The lack of apparent lysis in Gram-positive bacteria (i.e., S. aureus) can be explain by the existence of a thicker cell wall and lack of an external surface membrane.

Nature

From the biosynthetic pathway of view, it can be explain that these two flavonoids are competitive relationship in a common biosynthetic pathway.

Botanical Studies

It can be explain that the increases recorded in PC throughout storage are due to the gradual inclusion of anthocyanins in polymeric pigments matrix.

Chemistry Central Journal

This can be explain because during inspiratory phase, air room (Fractional oxygen = 0.21) entry in airway mixes with OFR (FO2 = 1), which modifies the FDO2.

Annals of Intensive Care

These excellent results of lung RFA can be explain by inclusion criteria for lung RFA mimicking the selection criteria for surgical candidates [ 12].

Annals of Oncology

This lack of regular changes of LCST values with change of water content can be explain also by the shape of phase diagrams of particular gel/water systems.

Colloid and Polymer Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

I mean, a rainbow can be explained.

The New York Times - Arts

"The characteristics can be explained beyond sex".

The New York Times - Sports

Campaign platforms can be explained.

The New York Times

Ultimately, everything can be explained.

The Guardian - Opinion

SAUCKEL: It can be explained very simply.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the past participle form "explained" instead of the base form "explain" after "can be" to ensure grammatical correctness. For example, use "This phenomenon can be explained by quantum physics".

Common error

Avoid using the base form of a verb after "can be". Always use the past participle (e.g., "explained", "clarified", "understood") to maintain grammatical accuracy. Incorrect: "The results can be explain by this theory." Correct: "The results can be explained by this theory."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be explain" is intended to function as a modal passive construction, indicating the possibility of something being clarified. However, it fails to achieve this due to a grammatical error, as the correct form requires the past participle.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be explain" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "can be explained". This error involves using the base form of the verb instead of the past participle after the modal verb construction "can be". As Ludwig AI points out, using the correct past participle form is crucial for expressing the intended meaning of potential clarification or understanding. Given its incorrect nature, it's best to avoid this phrase and use the grammatically sound alternatives discussed, such as "can be clarified" or "can be understood". Always prioritize grammatical accuracy for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be explained

Corrects the grammatical error by using the past participle form of the verb.

can be clarified

Replaces "explain" with "clarified" to denote making something clearer.

can be elucidated

Uses "elucidated" for a more formal and detailed explanation.

can be understood

Focuses on the potential for comprehension.

can be accounted for

Highlights the ability to provide a reason or justification.

can be interpreted

Emphasizes the possibility of understanding the meaning.

can be rationalized

Suggests the ability to find a logical basis.

can be demystified

Focuses on removing the mystery or confusion surrounding something.

can be resolved

Highlights the potential for solving or clarifying a problem.

can be simplified

Suggests the possibility of making something less complex.

FAQs

How to correctly use "can be" with a verb?

Always follow "can be" with the past participle form of the verb. For example, instead of saying "can be do", say "can be done". The past participle is used to indicate a passive voice, which is usually what's intended with "can be".

What's the difference between "can be explain" and "can be explained"?

"Can be explain" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "can be explained", where "explained" is the past participle of "explain". Using the base form "explain" after "can be" violates standard English grammar rules.

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

Since "can be explain" is incorrect, you should use "can be explained". Depending on the context, alternatives like "can be clarified" or "can be understood" may also be appropriate.

Is "can be explain" ever correct in any context?

No, "can be explain" is never grammatically correct in standard English. The correct form is always "can be explained", using the past participle of the verb.