can be saying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be saying" is not correct in standard written English.
It is not typically used in any context, as it combines the modal "can" with the continuous form "be saying," which is awkward and unclear. Example: "What you can be saying is that we need to reconsider our approach."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

We can be saying exactly the right words and be conveying a message we're not even aware of.

University of California, Berkeley

I walked over humble as can be, saying, 'Thank you, Mr. Clapton, for purchasing graffiti art.' And he said, 'I didn't purchase your painting, mate.

The New York Times

"Parents can be saying to kids who are having a miserable time in school, 'Look, Michael Phelps had ADHD and he worked really hard.

The Guardian

On appeal, the court of arbitration for sport did find in July 2012 that they did not quite have indisputable evidence that Bin Hammam provided the $1m cash, but their decision was as qualified as can be, saying their ruling was not: "Any sort of affirmative finding of innocence … It is more likely than not that Mr Bin Hammam was the source of the monies".

The Guardian - Sport

Because in selecting Ryan, in effect, Romney can be saying nothing else.

Huffington Post

But Cracked.com concurred with the family about how overwhelming all those toilet buttons can be, saying that some of them can be "terrifying".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

What can be said.

The New Yorker

That much can be said.

The Economist

"What else can be said?

The New York Times

The same can be said for Zajac.

The New York Times - Sports

Everything can be said.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When constructing sentences, prefer more direct and common alternatives such as "might be saying" or "could be saying" for improved clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "can be saying" as it often creates an awkward and grammatically unconventional sentence. Opt for simpler alternatives to enhance readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be saying" functions as a verb phrase attempting to express possibility or ongoing action. However, according to Ludwig AI, it is not grammatically correct in standard written English. It's an unusual construction that can be replaced with better alternatives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

43%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "can be saying" appears in various sources, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically awkward and not typical in standard written English. Although it aims to express possibility or suggestion, it is better to opt for clearer and more common alternatives like "might be saying" or "could be saying". It's primarily found in news and academic contexts, but its infrequent usage suggests considering more precise expressions, particularly in formal writing. Utilizing the best practices and avoiding the common errors associated with this phrase will enhance clarity and improve the overall quality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be saying

Replaces "can" with "might" to indicate possibility or uncertainty.

could be saying

Substitutes "can" with "could" to suggest a conditional or hypothetical statement.

may be saying

Uses "may" instead of "can" to express a possibility with less certainty.

are saying

Omits "can be" for a more direct and common construction.

is saying

Adjusts for singular subjects, offering a grammatically standard option.

are expressing

Replaces "saying" with "expressing" for a slightly different nuance.

are indicating

Substitutes "saying" with "indicating" to emphasize a subtle message.

are suggesting

Uses "suggesting" instead of "saying" to convey a less direct statement.

intend to say

Shifts the focus to intention rather than the act of saying.

are communicating

Replaces "saying" with "communicating" to broaden the meaning.

FAQs

What's wrong with using "can be saying"?

The phrase "can be saying" is grammatically awkward and not commonly used in standard English. It's often better to use alternatives like "might be saying" or "could be saying" for better clarity.

How can I rephrase a sentence using "can be saying" to sound more natural?

Instead of "can be saying", consider using phrases such as "are saying", "may be saying", or "could be interpreted as", depending on the intended meaning.

Is "can be saying" ever correct in English?

While not strictly incorrect, "can be saying" is unusual and can often be replaced with a more common and clear construction. Context matters, but simpler alternatives are generally preferable.

What are some alternatives to "can be saying" in formal writing?

In formal writing, consider using phrases like "it could be argued", "it might suggest", or "it may imply", which offer a more precise and grammatically sound expression.