can certainly be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'can certainly be' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express that something is possible or definite. For example, "This project can certainly be completed before the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There can certainly be bargains.

The New York Times

It can certainly be done".

Independent

His wooing can certainly be unsettling.

Independent

It can certainly be described as momentous.

Independent

"So the timetables can certainly be halted".

The New York Times

So personal data can certainly be secure.

The Economist

His speeches can certainly be eloquent.

The Economist

Lunch can certainly be taken at eleven or three.

The New Yorker

It can certainly be challenging, but that's the fun!

The New Yorker

Packaging, although not normally exciting, can certainly be lucrative.

The Economist

Progress in science can certainly be measured and described.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can certainly be" to express a strong possibility or likelihood based on evidence or reason. For instance, "With the new resources, the project can certainly be completed on time."

Common error

Avoid using "can certainly be" when the situation demands absolute certainty. In such cases, opt for stronger assertions like "will be" or "is definitely".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can certainly be" functions as a modal phrase expressing a strong possibility or likelihood. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly employed across diverse written and spoken contexts. It modifies a verb, indicating a high degree of confidence regarding a potential outcome or state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can certainly be" is a versatile modal phrase that indicates a strong possibility or likelihood. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used in both formal and informal contexts, though overuse in situations that require absolute certainty should be avoided. The phrase is most frequently found in news and scientific contexts, as well as formal and business documents. Alternatives such as "can definitely be" and "is very likely to be" can be used to add subtle nuances to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can definitely be

Replaces 'certainly' with 'definitely', emphasizing a firm degree of possibility.

can assuredly be

Replaces 'certainly' with 'assuredly', indicating confidence in the possibility.

can undoubtedly be

Substitutes 'certainly' with 'undoubtedly', suggesting that there is no doubt about the possibility.

can absolutely be

Uses 'absolutely' instead of 'certainly' to strengthen the assertion of possibility.

can positively be

Replaces 'certainly' with 'positively', conveying a confident affirmation of possibility.

is very likely to be

Shifts the structure to use 'likely', focusing on the high probability of something occurring.

is highly probable to be

Emphasizes the high probability with a more formal tone.

can reasonably be

Indicates that there is a logical basis for the possibility.

can realistically be

Highlights the realistic nature of the possibility.

can easily be

Suggests that the possibility can occur without much effort or difficulty.

FAQs

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

Use "can certainly be" to express a strong degree of possibility or likelihood. For example, "The new policy "can certainly be" beneficial for the company's growth."

What are some alternatives to "can certainly be"?

You can use alternatives such as "can definitely be", "is very likely to be", or "can absolutely be" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "can certainly be" formal or informal?

"Can certainly be" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is a versatile phrase that expresses a strong possibility without being overly assertive.

What is the difference between "can certainly be" and "will definitely be"?

"Can certainly be" suggests a strong likelihood based on current evidence, while "will definitely be" implies a higher degree of certainty and a future outcome that is almost guaranteed. The choice depends on the level of confidence you want to express.