can be from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the origin or source of something, often in contexts discussing possibilities or options. Example: "The information can be from various sources, including books, articles, and interviews."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The rest can be from anywhere.

The New York Times - Food

She can be from anywhere".

The New York Times

"He can be from the majority, and he can be from the minority.

The New York Times

The other two letters can be from employers.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They can be from any area hospital or private practice.

The New York Times

It can be from minute to minute that I change.

The Guardian

Sometimes, those previous convictions can be from the distant past.

The Economist

Your gift can be from both of you.

The New York Times

Sometimes, those "priors" can be from the distant past.

The Economist

The recovery time for major A.C.L. reconstruction can be from six to eight months.

The New York Times - Sports

It covers about 25km and the cortege can be from 1.5km-4.5km 1.5km-4.5km

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing "can be from" in close proximity within your writing. Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain readability.

Common error

Don't use "can be from" when you know the exact source or origin. This phrase implies uncertainty or a range of possibilities, so a more definitive statement is appropriate when the source is known.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be from" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility or potential origin. It specifies that something has the capacity or ability to originate from a certain place, source, or time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

23%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be from" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate potential origins or sources. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly employed across various contexts, from academic and scientific writing to news and media. While perfectly acceptable, it's advisable to vary your language with alternatives like "may originate from" or "could come from" to enhance readability. The key is to remember that "can be from" implies possibility, not certainty, and should be used accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may originate from

Emphasizes the potential origin of something, suggesting a possibility rather than a definite source.

could come from

Indicates a possibility of a source, implying less certainty than "can be from".

might derive from

Suggests that something is developed or obtained from a specific source.

may stem from

Implies that something arises or originates from a particular cause or source.

is potentially sourced from

Highlights the potential origin of something, with a focus on sourcing.

is possibly from

Expresses a possibility regarding the origin or source of something.

can arise out of

Focuses on the way something emerged from a situation or event.

may be attributed to

Attributes the origin of something to a specific cause or source.

can result from

Indicates that something happens as a consequence of a particular cause or source.

is traceable to

Implies that the origin of something can be found or tracked back to a source.

FAQs

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

Use "can be from" to indicate that something originates or derives from a particular source or range of sources. For example, "The data "can be from" multiple surveys".

What are some alternatives to "can be from"?

Alternatives include "may originate from", "could come from", or "might derive from", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "can be from"?

Yes, "can be from" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. It is used to indicate possible sources or origins.

What is the difference between "can be from" and "is from"?

"Can be from" suggests a possibility or range of sources, whereas "is from" indicates a definite and known source. For example, "The error "can be from" a software bug" vs. "The error "is from" the latest update".