can bring about

USAGE SUMMARY

"can bring about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the possibility of producing or creating a specific outcome. For example, "Stricter regulations can bring about greater control over the production process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only prayer and renunciation can bring about deliverance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

People like him, if strengthened, can bring about real change.

The New York Times

I no longer feel the government can bring about reform".

The New Yorker

I learned how social media can bring about social change.

The New York Times

Does he think Bush can bring about world peace?

The Guardian - Arts

He can bring about vast changes to school governance.

The New York Times

Dietary restriction of AGEs can bring about significant reductions.

The Guardian

Of course racing can bring about increased pressure.

The Guardian - Sport

An ordinary person like me can bring about change.

The Guardian

But whether a person is 26 or 66, facing death can bring about change.

The New York Times

Small changes to what and who is taught can bring about positive changes for the future.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can bring about", ensure the subject clearly indicates what is causing the potential outcome. For example, "Effective communication can bring about better understanding" is more precise than "Things can bring about change."

Common error

Avoid using vague subjects with "can bring about". Instead of saying "Technology can bring about change", specify which aspect of technology or what kind of change you're referring to for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can bring about" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating the potential or possibility of causing something to happen. According to Ludwig AI, this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can bring about" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the potential for something to cause or create a specific outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. It is particularly common in News & Media and Scientific sources, but also appears in Encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject is clear and specific to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives such as "can lead to" or "can result in" for nuanced expression. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively incorporate "can bring about" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can lead to

This alternative focuses on the potential for a specific action to trigger a result.

can result in

This alternative indicates that something might produce a particular consequence.

can give rise to

This phrase suggests the possibility of generating or creating something.

can contribute to

This alternative highlights the potential for influencing or adding to a specific outcome.

can be instrumental in

This suggests a key role in facilitating or causing a particular effect.

can play a role in

This alternative suggests involvement or influence in a process or outcome.

can be conducive to

This phrase focuses on the potential for creating favorable conditions for something to occur.

can foster

This alternative highlights the ability to nurture or promote something.

can engender

This implies the potential to cause or give rise to a particular feeling or situation.

can trigger

This alternative focuses on initiating or setting off a particular event or reaction.

FAQs

How can I use "can bring about" in a sentence?

Use "can bring about" to indicate that something has the potential to cause or create a specific result. For example, "New policies "can bring about" significant changes in the organization".

What are some alternatives to "can bring about"?

You can use alternatives such as "can lead to", "can result in", or "can give rise to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "can brings about" instead of "can bring about"?

No, "can brings about" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""can bring about"" because "can" is a modal verb and is always followed by the base form of the verb.

What's the difference between "can bring about" and "can affect"?

"Can bring about" implies causing something to happen or creating a result, whereas "can affect" simply means having an influence on something, without necessarily causing it to happen.