can be present

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be present" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use the phrase when you want to indicate that something is possible, likely, or available to take place. For example, "I'm not sure if the mayor will attend the ceremony, but he can be present if necessary."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unlike the magpie, jays can be present - sometimes in good numbers - long before anyone notices them.

The Guardian

Dr. Hilgard proposed that several distinct states of consciousness can be present during hypnosis.

The New York Times

Discuss how a person or object can be present without actually being there.

The New York Times

All the proteins that can be present in the human body at any given time and location.

The Guardian

Strabismus can be present all the time, intermittently, or brought out only by special testing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After all, gay and lesbian people can be present in any family, any community.

The New York Times

Attractor states can be present.

Clinical and Translational Medicine

An aggressive periosteal reaction can be present.

Insights into Imaging

If a human is the chooser, bias can be present.

TechCrunch

"Odor can be present without detectable hydrogen sulfide.

Science Magazine

Six variants of this fault can be present.

Acta Materialia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be present" when indicating a possibility or potential for something to exist or occur in a particular context. Ensure that the subject and context clearly define what is being considered for presence.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions with "can be present" if an active voice provides more clarity and conciseness. For instance, instead of "The solution can be present in the mixture", consider "The mixture might contain the solution."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be present" functions as a modal verb phrase. It expresses possibility or potential existence, suggesting that something is not necessarily certain but has the capacity or likelihood to be in a particular state or location. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be present" is a versatile expression used to indicate possibility, potential existence, or availability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related contexts, it serves the purpose of conveying uncertainty or contingency. To enhance clarity and avoid redundancy, consider alternative phrasing when appropriate. When writing the phrase "can be present" it's best practice is to use the correct construction in order to avoid passive voice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be there

Replaces "can" with "could", suggesting a lower probability or a hypothetical situation.

might be available

Substitutes "present" with "available", focusing on accessibility rather than existence.

may be found

Replaces "present" with "found", emphasizing discovery or location.

is potentially there

Uses "potentially" to highlight the possibility, adding a degree of uncertainty.

is possibly in attendance

Rephrases to emphasize physical presence at an event or gathering.

is able to attend

Focuses on the ability to be present, implying a choice or capability.

may exist

Simplifies the phrase to its core meaning of potential existence.

could occur

Shifts the focus to the possibility of something happening or taking place.

is a chance of

Expresses the idea as a probability or likelihood.

is liable to be

Suggests a tendency or predisposition to be present.

FAQs

How can I use "can be present" in a sentence?

You can use "can be present" to indicate that something has the possibility of existing or attending. For example, "A representative from our company "can be present" at the meeting".

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

Alternatives include "might be available", "may be found", or "could be there", depending on the specific context you're using the phrase in.

When is it appropriate to use "can be present" rather than "is present"?

"Can be present" suggests a possibility or potential, whereas "is present" indicates a certainty. Use "can be present" when you want to convey uncertainty or a conditional existence. For example, "Although unlikely, side effects "can be present"".

What is the difference between "can be present" and "is potentially present"?

"Can be present" indicates a general possibility, while "is potentially present" emphasizes that the potential exists, adding a layer of likelihood or anticipation. "Is potentially present" highlights the potential more strongly.