can however be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can however be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrasting point or exception in a statement. Example: "The results of the experiment were inconclusive; they can however be interpreted in several ways."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They can, however, be managed.

The New Yorker

They can, however, be reflected.

The Economist

It can, however, be baked.

The New York Times - Food

Some traditional neighbourhoods can, however, be identified.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There can, however, be a cost.

The New York Times

They can, however, be tried separately.

The New York Times

It can, however, be an expensive habit.

The New York Times

Learning vocab can, however, be tricky.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some general principles can, however, be enunciated.

Britannica

They can, however, be confirmed or invalidated.

International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences

That relationship can, however, be tricky to navigate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can however be" to introduce a contrasting point that follows logically from the previous statement. Ensure that the contrast enhances the overall meaning and doesn't disrupt the flow of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "can however be" multiple times in the same paragraph. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your transitional phrases by using alternatives like "nevertheless", "yet", or "still".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can however be" functions as a transitional phrase, introducing a contrasting or qualifying statement. Ludwig confirms this by showing its frequent use in diverse contexts. It suggests that despite a preceding condition, another possibility or outcome exists.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can however be" is a versatile transitional phrase used to introduce a contrasting or qualifying statement. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is grammatically correct and very common in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While effective, overuse should be avoided by using alternatives to maintain writing clarity. This construction serves to provide nuance and balance to statements, acknowledging one perspective while introducing another.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may nevertheless be

Emphasizes a concession despite a previous statement, altering the flow slightly.

might still be

Highlights the possibility of something being true despite an obstacle, using a more tentative tone.

could alternatively be

Presents an alternative possibility, changing the focus from a direct contrast to a potential option.

may on the other hand be

Introduces a contrasting viewpoint with a stronger emphasis on the opposition.

can in contrast be

Directly contrasts the previous statement, providing a more explicit opposition.

may conversely be

Indicates a reversal or opposite situation, changing the logical connection.

can despite this be

Acknowledges a preceding fact but proceeds with a contrasting possibility, adding emphasis on the unexpected nature of the contrast.

can yet be

Suggests something is still possible despite circumstances, providing a sense of hope or potential.

can even be

Highlights a surprising or unexpected possibility, adding emphasis on the unexpected nature of the outcome.

can actually be

Indicates that something is true, contrary to expectations, emphasizing reality.

FAQs

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

Use "can however be" to introduce a contrasting or qualifying statement after an initial claim. For example, "The initial results were disappointing; they "can however be" interpreted in light of new data."

What are some alternatives to "can however be"?

Alternatives include phrases like "nevertheless", "yet", "still", or "nonetheless", which can provide similar contrast or qualification.

Is it always necessary to include "however" when using "can be" to express a contrast?

No, "however" is not always necessary. The choice depends on the desired emphasis and flow. Using "however" strengthens the contrast, while omitting it may create a smoother transition. For example, compare "It can be challenging; it "can however be" rewarding" versus "It can be challenging; it can be rewarding."

What is the difference between "can however be" and "may however be"?

"Can however be" implies a possibility or ability under certain conditions, while "may however be" suggests a stronger sense of possibility or likelihood. "It "can however be" improved with more resources" suggests it is possible to improve it while "It "may however be" improved with more resources" implies that it is likely to happen.