can definitely be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can definitely be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express certainty or assurance about a possibility or situation. Example: "This method can definitely be improved with further research and testing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It can definitely be dangerous".

The New York Times

Hansen can definitely be satisfied.

The Guardian - Sport

Patchogue can definitely be racist.

The Guardian

Can definitely be an upper-body workout.

The New York Times - Arts

She can definitely be heard in the men's restroom.

The New York Times - Travel

"It's something that can definitely be never-ending," he said.

The New York Times

"That can definitely be a significant source of tension".

The New York Times

"This offense can definitely be great," Keller said.

The New York Times - Sports

But running the gantlet can definitely be worthwhile.

The New York Times

"It's just about regrouping, and it can definitely be done".

The New York Times - Sports

And it can definitely be used for second language training.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "can certainly be" or "is undoubtedly able to be" to maintain clarity while elevating the level of formality.

Common error

Avoid using "can definitely be" when the situation involves pure speculation or lacks any factual basis. Overusing it in such contexts can undermine your credibility and make your assertions seem less convincing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can definitely be" functions as a modal phrase expressing a strong degree of possibility or likelihood. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that something is highly probable but not entirely certain. It combines the modal verb "can" with the adverb "definitely" to modify the verb "be".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

19%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

13%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can definitely be" is a versatile and widely used expression indicating a strong possibility or likelihood. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in diverse contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it can be adapted for more formal settings using alternatives like "can certainly be" or "is undoubtedly able to be". As highlighted by the usage analysis, this phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources. Remember to use "can definitely be" when you want to convey a sense of assurance without absolute certainty, and avoid overusing it in purely speculative situations. This approach ensures clarity and credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can certainly be

Replaces "definitely" with "certainly", indicating a high degree of confidence.

can assuredly be

Substitutes "definitely" with "assuredly", suggesting a confident assertion.

can absolutely be

Replaces "definitely" with "absolutely", emphasizing the certainty of the possibility.

is undoubtedly able to be

Uses a more formal tone to convey that there is no question about something's ability.

is unquestionably able to be

Similar to "is undoubtedly able to be", but strengthens the assertion of certainty.

could definitively be

Replaces "can" with "could" and "definitely" with "definitively", maintaining a sense of possibility but adding a touch of formality.

may well be

Uses a more concise phrasing to express a strong likelihood.

is very likely to be

Emphasizes the high probability of something occurring.

is highly probable to be

Offers a more formal way of stating a high likelihood.

will surely be

Indicates that something is expected to happen with a high degree of confidence.

FAQs

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

The phrase "can definitely be" is used to express a strong possibility or likelihood. For example, "This approach "can definitely be" improved with further testing."

What are some alternatives to "can definitely be"?

You can use alternatives like "can certainly be", "can assuredly be", or "is very likely to be", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "can definitely be" formal or informal?

"Can definitely be" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives exist for professional settings.

What's the difference between "can definitely be" and "will definitely be"?

"Can definitely be" expresses a strong possibility, while "will definitely be" indicates a high degree of certainty about a future event. The former is more speculative, while the latter is more assertive.