can be going

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be going" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used in the present continuous tense, indicating an action that is currently in progress. Example: "I can be going to the party tonight, but I'm not sure yet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

What, exactly, can be going on?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

These things are fully aerobatic, they can be going 60mph.

The Guardian

"But we can be going in a different direction.

The New York Times

You can be going for something — reaching for this other world.

The New Yorker

"I want them to be prepared as they can be going into the season".

The New York Times

"Her body can be going one way, and her hands can be doing something else".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

I can be gone from home for nearly three weeks at a time.

The New York Times

And now that stress and pain can be gone from you".

The New Yorker

Once you lose a race it can be gone for ever".

Independent

So if you make one mistake, any of those backs can be gone".

The New York Times - Sports

But any split-second and anyone can be gone, doing the North West or walking to the shops.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be going" to describe ongoing actions or potential future plans, especially when indicating possibility rather than certainty. For example, "I can be going to the store later if you need anything" suggests a possibility, not a definite plan.

Common error

Avoid using "can be going" when expressing certainty or scheduled events. Instead of "The meeting can be going ahead tomorrow", use "The meeting is going ahead tomorrow" to convey a firm decision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be going" functions as a modal verb construction expressing possibility or potentiality in conjunction with the present continuous tense. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates that an action is potentially in progress. It suggests that something is possible, but not certain.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

28%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be going" is a versatile construction used to express possibility or potentiality in ongoing actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Wiki, and Science. It's important to use "can be going" when indicating uncertainty rather than certainty, as misuse can lead to grammatical errors. Related phrases, like "might be going" or "could be going", offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas. Proper usage ensures clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be on the way

Implies that something is in transit or progressing towards a destination or goal.

might be traveling

Emphasizes the act of journeying or touring, often for leisure or business purposes.

could be heading

Emphasizes direction or trajectory, suggesting a movement towards a specific place or outcome.

might be moving

Focuses on the act of relocation or change in position, suggesting a shift from one place to another.

might be proceeding

Indicates a formal or structured movement forward, often used in the context of projects or plans.

may be progressing

Highlights the ongoing development or advancement of a process or situation.

may be advancing

Suggests progress or forward movement, often in a competitive or challenging environment.

may be departing

Indicates leaving a place or starting a journey, emphasizing the act of setting off.

could be venturing

Suggests an exploratory or risky movement, often into unknown or uncertain territories.

could be advancing toward

Emphasizes directional movement towards a specific target or objective.

FAQs

How is "can be going" used in a sentence?

The phrase "can be going" indicates a possibility or potential action in progress. For example, "He can be going to the game later" suggests it's a possibility, not a definite plan.

What are some alternatives to "can be going"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "might be going", "could be going", or "may be going", depending on the degree of possibility you want to convey.

Is "can be going" grammatically correct?

Yes, "can be going" is grammatically correct when used to express a possibility or potential action in the present continuous tense. According to Ludwig AI, it is commonly used in written English.

What is the difference between "can be going" and "will be going"?

"Can be going" suggests a possibility or a potential action, while "will be going" indicates a definite future action. "I can be going to the party" means it's a possibility, whereas "I will be going to the party" means it's a confirmed plan.