can ever be

USAGE SUMMARY

"can ever be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing uncertainty in a situation or outcome. For example: "I doubt that peace in the region can ever be achieved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

No human being can ever be completely objective.

The New York Times

"Nobody can ever be perfect enough".

The New York Times

No choice can ever be embraced wholeheartedly".

The New York Times - Books

But no one can ever be 100 percent.

The New York Times

No list can ever be definitive.

The Guardian

No translation can ever be perfect".

The New York Times - Books

Nothing can ever be set in aspic.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nothing can ever be taken for granted.

The Guardian - Film

And no system can ever be made completely secure.

The Economist

Dearest and eternal friend nothing can ever be the same.

The New York Times

Nothing can ever be taken for granted in this métier.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can ever be" to express uncertainty or doubt about the possibility of something, rather than stating a definitive impossibility. For example, "I doubt that world peace can ever be achieved" conveys a sense of skepticism.

Common error

Avoid using "can ever be" when a situation is definitively impossible. "The Earth can ever be flat" is factually incorrect, as scientific evidence proves otherwise. Instead, reserve this phrase for scenarios with a degree of uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can ever be" functions as a modal phrase expressing possibility or potential, often tinged with uncertainty. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it qualifies states, actions, or conditions, suggesting that their realization is questionable or contingent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can ever be" is a modal phrase used to express possibility, often tinged with uncertainty or doubt. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It's most commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific sources, and serves to qualify statements, temper expectations, or acknowledge the potential for unattainable outcomes. While versatile, it should be reserved for situations with genuine uncertainty, avoiding misuse in factual statements where impossibility is definitively known.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could possibly be

Emphasizes the uncertainty of the possibility.

might potentially be

Combines possibility and potential, increasing hedging.

may conceivably be

Suggests a degree of unexpectedness or surprise.

is it feasible to be

Focuses on the practicality and attainability of a situation.

is there a chance of being

Highlights the probabilistic aspect of the outcome.

is it likely to be

Shifts focus to the probability of an event or state.

can it happen to be

Questions the occurrence rather than the possibility.

could it turn out to be

Suggests an unexpected development or result.

is it imaginable to be

Questions the capacity to imagine or conceive of something.

can theoretically be

Highlights that something is possible in theory, even if not in practice.

FAQs

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

Use "can ever be" to express doubt or uncertainty about a future possibility. For example, "I don't think that problem "can ever be" fully solved".

What's a good alternative to "can ever be" for expressing uncertainty?

Alternatives include phrases like "could possibly be", which suggests a similar level of doubt but with a slightly different emphasis.

Is there a difference between "can ever be" and "can never be"?

Yes, "can ever be" implies uncertainty about a possibility, while "can never be" states a definitive impossibility. For example, "I doubt this "can ever be" finished" suggests doubt, whereas "this "can never be" finished" asserts impossibility.

When is it appropriate to use "can ever be" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing to express reasoned doubt or skepticism, particularly when making predictions or assessing probabilities. For example, "It is uncertain if that goal "can ever be" achieved, given current limitations".