can be more

USAGE SUMMARY

"Can be more" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is used to express the possibility for something to have a greater degree or level. Example: With proper training, he can be more efficient in completing his tasks.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You can be more transparent.

The New York Times

I can be more present.

The New York Times

"You can be more flexible.

The New Yorker

He can be more impulsive.

Independent

"Profit numbers can be more easily manipulated".

The Economist

But backlash can be more severe.

The Economist

Nothing can be more wrong than that.

The New York Times

"The mental side can be more taxing.

The New York Times - Sports

"Juices can be more than juices.

The New York Times

But motions can be more than rote.

The New Yorker

Other baking can be more challenging.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be more" to suggest potential improvements or possibilities. For example, "The process can be more efficient with automation".

Common error

Avoid vague statements using "can be more" without providing clear context or examples. Instead of saying "The product can be more," specify what improvements are needed: "The product "can be more user-friendly" with a redesigned interface".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be more" functions as a modal verb phrase. It expresses a possibility or potential for something to increase in quality, quantity, or intensity. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples demonstrating its versatility across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be more" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express potential improvement or possibility. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Wiki, and Formal & Business settings. While generally neutral in register, it's important to use the phrase with specificity to avoid vagueness. Related phrases like "could be greater" or "might be increased" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas. By avoiding overuse and providing clear context, writers can effectively leverage "can be more" to suggest constructive changes and highlight opportunities for growth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be greater

Indicates a higher degree of possibility or potential.

might be increased

Emphasizes the potential for something to become larger or more intense.

may be amplified

Highlights the possibility of something being strengthened or enhanced.

is capable of growing

Focuses on the inherent ability to develop or expand.

has the potential to expand

Specifically indicates the possibility of broadening or extending.

can evolve into

Suggests a gradual transformation into something better.

is able to improve

Highlights the capacity for enhancement or betterment.

can be elevated

Focuses on raising something to a higher level or status.

could develop into

Implies a future possibility of growth or advancement.

has room for improvement

Suggests that there is space or opportunity to become better.

FAQs

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

Use "can be more" to suggest the possibility of enhancement or improvement. For instance, "The presentation "can be more engaging" with visual aids", indicating that the presentation has the potential to be more captivating if visuals are added.

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

Alternatives include "could be greater", "might be increased", or "has the potential to expand", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "can be more efficient" or "could be more efficient"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "can be more efficient" suggests a current capability for improvement, while "could be more efficient" implies a hypothetical or conditional possibility.

What's the difference between "can be more" and "is more"?

"Can be more" expresses a potential or possibility for improvement, while "is more" describes a current state of being to a higher degree. For example, "The product can be more user-friendly" suggests it has the potential to improve, while "The product is more user-friendly" states it is currently superior in usability.