can better be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can better be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that something is more effectively done or expressed in a different way. Example: "This process can better be understood with a visual aid."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He can better be described as a modernizer.

The New York Times

"It gives forth noises that can better be imagined than described," it promised.

The New Yorker

Arguably, Faith No More's strange career can better be explained by a category error.

The Guardian - Music

"All other work – anything repetitive, routine, standardized – can better be done by machines".

The New York Times - Science

If something merits being addressed, she said, it can better be done in the name of the company rather than hiding behind anonymous postings.

The New York Times

Transatlantic differences can better be explained by ideas and institutions, particularly the fact that the EDF is co-decided by the government.

Stanford University

You can better be sure that if I'm making what you consider to be an outrageous amount of money, this is a very, very valuable property.

The New York Times

"Do not use a hyphen between words that can better be written as one word: 'water-fowl, waterfowl,"' he intoned, his voice echoing in the churchlike acoustics.

The New York Times - Arts

As a result, the novel SFEC coding scheme can better be applicable in high-speed long-haul DWDM optical communication systems.

Optik - International Journal for Light and Electron Optics

On an individual level, the results can provide guidelines on how MPAs can better be designed, managed or even expanded to increase socio-economic outcomes.

Marine Policy

Therefore, the novel code type can better be used in long-haul, larger capacity and higher bit-rate optical communication systems.

Optics Communications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can better be", ensure the subject and verb agree in number, and the sentence flows logically for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "can better be" in overly passive constructions that obscure the actor. Instead, clarify who or what is performing the action for clearer communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can better be" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express the potential for improvement or a more effective way of doing something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it suggests that an action or state could be enhanced or optimized.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

34%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can better be" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to suggest improvements or alternative approaches. As noted by Ludwig AI, its versatility is evidenced by its presence in diverse contexts ranging from scientific literature to news articles. It is generally appropriate for neutral to formal settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines the subject that "can better be", and consider alternative formulations like "is more effectively" or "is more suitably" to refine the nuance of your suggestion. Avoiding passive constructions will enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is more effectively

Emphasizes the increased effectiveness of an action or state.

is more suitably

Highlights the improved suitability or appropriateness of something.

is preferably

Suggests that something is the favored or recommended option.

is more ideally

Implies that something aligns more closely with an ideal condition.

is more advantageously

Focuses on the increased advantages or benefits of a choice.

is more wisely

Highlights the greater wisdom or prudence in a particular action.

is more efficiently

Emphasizes the enhanced efficiency or productivity of something.

is more appropriately

Stresses the enhanced appropriateness or relevance of a situation.

is more expertly

Indicates the increased skill or expertise involved in an action.

is more proficiently

Highlights the enhanced proficiency or competence in performing something.

FAQs

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

Use "can better be" to suggest an improved method or approach. For example, "This problem "can better be solved" with a different strategy."

What are some alternatives to "can better be"?

Alternatives include "is more effectively", "is more suitably", or "is preferably", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "can be better" instead of "can better be"?

While "can be better" is grammatically correct, "can better be" often implies a more direct and actionable suggestion for improvement. The choice depends on the specific context.

How does the meaning of "can better be" differ from "should be"?

"Can better be" suggests a possibility for improvement, whereas "should be" implies a recommendation or obligation. The former is about potential, the latter about necessity.