can be real

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be real" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the possibility or potential for something to exist or occur in reality. Example: "In a world of imagination, anything can be real if you believe in it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Unregulated, there can be real slaughter.

The Guardian

Those two things can be real gotchas.

The New York Times

It can be real nasty business".

The Guardian

Folding bikes are can be real time-savers.

Independent

They can be real and tangible, and make sense.

The Guardian - Opinion

The momentum of an early victory can be real.

The New York Times

"You can be real with me," she said, insistent.

The New York Times

There can be real cachet in using a back door.

The New York Times

It can be linoleum; it can be cork, rubber; it can be real wood.

The New York Times - Magazine

Please continue to underestimate and denigrate those whom you neither understand nor believe can be "real".

The New York Times

It showed there can be real problems when society cannot accept sexual differences".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be real" to express the idea that something has the capacity to exist or happen. It can be useful for illustrating potential outcomes or challenging assumptions about impossibility.

Common error

Avoid using "can be real" in overly abstract or philosophical discussions where its meaning becomes vague. Always ground its use in tangible examples or clear implications to maintain relevance and avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be real" functions primarily as a modal phrase expressing possibility or potential. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates that something has the capacity to exist or occur in reality. The examples show its use in various contexts, from discussing dreams to scientific phenomena.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be real" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey possibility, potential, or authenticity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for expressing that something has the capacity to exist or occur. Analysis of usage data indicates that it is most frequently used in "News & Media", but also appears in "Science", "Formal & Business" writing, and on wikis. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the context clearly indicates the potential or possibility being discussed. Overall, "can be real" is a versatile phrase suitable for a range of writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be genuine

Emphasizes authenticity or legitimacy as a possibility.

might be authentic

Indicates a degree of uncertainty about the authenticity.

may be legitimate

Suggests a possibility of being in accordance with the law or rules.

potentially be true

Highlights the possibility of truth, focusing on the potential.

has the potential to be real

Focuses on the inherent potential for something to become real.

can actually happen

Stresses the possibility of an event occurring in reality.

might turn out to be genuine

Implies an eventual reveal of authenticity after some time.

could prove to be authentic

Suggests a future confirmation of authenticity through evidence.

may materialize

Indicates the possibility of something becoming tangible or concrete.

is possibly authentic

Expresses a lower degree of certainty regarding authenticity.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be real" to express the possibility of something being genuine or occurring. For example, "With enough effort, dreams "can be real"".

What are some alternatives to "can be real"?

Alternatives include "could be genuine", "might be authentic", or "may be legitimate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "can to be real"?

No, "can to be real" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is ""can be real"". The modal verb "can" is always followed by the base form of the verb.

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

"Can be real" expresses a possibility or potential, while "is real" states a fact. "Dreams "can be real"" suggests dreams have the potential to become reality. "My dream is real" states that the dream has already been achieved.