can even be

USAGE SUMMARY

"can even be" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use this construction to indicate a surprising level or extent. For example, "The small company is surprisingly successful; it can even be found on the New York Stock Exchange."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It can even be political".

The New York Times

It can even be dangerous.

The New York Times - Magazine

(They can even be inherited).

The New York Times

It can even be counterproductive.

The New York Times

The wallet can even be completely dematerialised.

The Economist

It can even be mass-produced.

The New Yorker

If any customers can even be found.

The New York Times

They can even be eaten raw.

The New York Times

They can even be removed.

The New York Times

Davis can even be picky.

The New York Times - Sports

Some can even be charismatic.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can even be" to introduce surprising or unexpected possibilities. This construction effectively highlights the breadth of potential outcomes or characteristics.

Common error

Avoid overusing "can even be" in formal or academic writing where a more direct or precise phrasing might be preferable. Over-reliance on this phrase can make your writing sound less authoritative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can even be" functions as a modal construction used to express possibility, often with an element of surprise or unexpectedness. It indicates that something is not only possible but might occur to a degree beyond what is typically anticipated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

22%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can even be" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction in English to denote possibility, often with a hint of surprise. According to Ludwig, it effectively introduces scenarios that extend beyond typical expectations. While versatile across various contexts, it's best suited for neutral and informal settings, with more direct alternatives recommended for formal or academic writing. The Ludwig examples highlight the phrase's prevalence in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. To avoid overuse and maintain precision, consider related alternatives such as "may actually be" or "could potentially be".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might also be

Emphasizes possibility with a slightly less direct tone.

could potentially be

Highlights the potential aspect, adding a layer of uncertainty.

may actually be

Suggests a degree of surprise or unexpectedness.

can readily be

Focuses on the ease or readiness with which something can occur.

is also able to be

Highlights the ability or capability of something.

can also exist as

Indicates an alternative form or state of being.

can sometimes be

Indicates that it does not happen often.

is known to be

Implies awareness or common knowledge of a particular state.

has the capacity to be

Highlights the inherent capability or potential.

can effectively be

Emphasizes the effectiveness or successfulness of a particular state.

FAQs

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

Use "can even be" to introduce an unexpected or surprising possibility. For example, "The weather is so unpredictable; it "can even be" sunny in December".

What phrases are similar to "can even be"?

Similar phrases include "may actually be", "could potentially be", or "might also be" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "can even be" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "can even be" is more suitable for neutral or informal contexts. In formal writing, consider more precise or direct alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "can also be" and "can even be"?

"Can also be" suggests an additional possibility, whereas "can even be" implies a surprising or extreme possibility beyond the expected. The latter adds an element of unexpectedness.