can be recording

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be recording" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is capable of being in the process of recording at a given time. Example: "The device can be recording audio while you are on a call."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"These questions get raised over and over about whether the camera can be recording unfettered truth," Mr. Raymond said.

The New York Times - Arts

And what about those privacy worries inherent in a device which can be recording without your subject knowing?

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Sympathetic nerve recordings associated with blood pressure regulation can be recorded directly using microneurography.

Journal of Neuroscience Methods

Multiple recordings are very promising, as the sample can be recorded from different orientations.

Plosone

Routes can be recorded, too, and shared.

Independent

It can be recorded, archived and replayed.

The New York Times

The signals can be recorded or sent over the Internet.

The New York Times - Health

Unscripted moments can be recorded by other sources.

The New York Times

The video can be recorded, and users can share their Vue movies at a personal site.

The New York Times - Tech

The words in a book stay in place, paintings barely fade, musical performances can be recorded.

The New Yorker

How many more 30-minute shows can be recorded on this tape?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be recording", ensure the context clearly indicates an ongoing or potential action, not just a general capability. For example, specify under what circumstances the recording is likely to occur.

Common error

Avoid using "can be recording" when you want to describe a completed recording event. Use a past tense form like "was recorded" or "has been recorded" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be recording" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility or potential in the continuous aspect. As shown in Ludwig AI examples, it expresses that an action of recording is possible or likely to be in progress.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be recording" is a verb phrase that suggests the possibility or potential for an ongoing recording action. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct, although relatively rare in occurrence. It appears in neutral contexts, especially news and science, signaling that a device or system is capable of recording at a given time. When writing, make sure to use it to express actions that are ongoing and/or potential, instead of actions that have already been completed. Understanding these nuances helps ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is capable of recording

Replaces the modal verb "can" with "is capable of", emphasizing ability.

is able to record

Similar to "is capable of", highlighting the capacity to record.

may be recording

Substitutes "can" with "may", indicating possibility rather than certainty.

could be recording

Uses "could" instead of "can", suggesting a conditional possibility.

might be recording

Employs "might" to convey a lower probability of recording.

is potentially recording

Adds "potentially" to emphasize the possibility of the action.

has the ability to record

Expands "can be recording" to a more descriptive phrase.

is designed to record

Focuses on the intended purpose or function of recording.

is set to record

Indicates a planned or scheduled recording action.

records sometimes

Simplifies the phrase to describe an intermittent recording action.

FAQs

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

Use "can be recording" to indicate that something has the ability or potential to record an ongoing action. For example, "The security camera "can be recording" while you are away."

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

"Can be recording" suggests a possibility or capability of recording, whereas "is recording" indicates that the action is currently in progress. The first represents a potentiality; the second, a reality.

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

You can use alternatives like "may be recording", "is capable of recording", or "is able to record" depending on the context. All indicate that something has the ability or potential to record.

When is it appropriate to use "can be recording" instead of "can record"?

"Can be recording" suggests an ongoing or continuous action that may be happening, while "can record" refers to the general ability or possibility of recording at any time. Use "can be recording" to focus on the potential activity in progress.