can hypothetically be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can hypothetically be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a possibility or a theoretical situation that is not necessarily true or certain. Example: "In a perfect world, this solution can hypothetically be the answer to our problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Ronald Ehrenberg, a Cornell economist frustrated with the rankings obsession, points out, in "Tuition Rising: Why College Costs So Much" (Harvard; $18.95), that the figures colleges send to U.S. News can, hypothetically, be massaged in any number of ways to yield a better ranking.

The New Yorker

For instance, the concept dog can, hypothetically, be represented with a prototype that does not refer directly to an actual dog, but instead a statistical aggregation of the most frequently encountered features of all dogs (e.g., Rosch, 1973).

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

A TV remote control, a broomstick, a rolled up New Yorker magazine, a signed home run ball from Barry Bonds or a gerbil can hypothetically be inserted into an asshole.

Vice

Previous studies in search of explanations for RBV treatment failures were largely focused on the role of viral determinants of RBV resistance [5], [6], as any antiviral mechanism of RBV via direct interactions with the viral RNA polymerase can hypothetically be overcome by mutations in the viral RNA polymerase.

Plosone

They can hypothetically be of two kinds.

BMC Health Services Research

Other information (Type 2) can hypothetically be generated by one person, but is dependent on temporal and spatial dimensions of specific life situations [ 31].

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In line with observations in individuals with hand nerve injury, the sensory deficiency after knee injury can, at least hypothetically, be associated with functional re-organization of the somatosensory cortex of the brain.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

We can handle the concept of hypothetically being aroused by waterfalls of diarrhea streaming out of a nice young lady's bottom, ricocheting off the sides of a grown man's lips as she crouches over him while droplets of shit trickle into a pool of aftermath, which he eventually licks up off the floor, like a tiny kitten.

Vice

We can handle the concept of hypothetically being aroused by waterfalls of diarrhea streaming out of a nice young lady's bottom, ricocheting off the sides of a grown man's lips as she crouches over him while droplets of shit trickle into a pool of aftermath, which he eventually licks it up off the floor, like a tiny kitten.

Vice

Although propositions that are presented hypothetically are not demonstrated they can be motivated and illustrated by examples, analogies, metaphors, and stories (as he says later on).

SEP

This indicates that this formulation can sustain the drug release in blood stream and hypothetically is able to lower dosing frequency.

International Nano Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can hypothetically be", consider whether a more direct or assertive phrasing would be more appropriate. Overuse can weaken your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "can hypothetically be" when a situation is highly likely or certain. The phrase implies a degree of uncertainty that should be reflected in the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can hypothetically be" functions as a modal phrase expressing possibility or potential under certain conditions. According to Ludwig AI, it's used to introduce scenarios that are not guaranteed but remain within the realm of possibility, provided specific assumptions hold true. It combines the modal verb 'can' with the adverb 'hypothetically' to soften the assertion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can hypothetically be" is a modal phrase used to express hypothetical possibilities or potential outcomes under specific conditions. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and sees frequent usage in both scientific and news media contexts. It's most effectively employed when introducing scenarios that are possible but not guaranteed, requiring clear articulation of underlying assumptions. While versatile, overuse may dilute the strength of an argument. Consider alternatives like "could theoretically be" or "might conceivably be" to diversify your writing. Avoid mistaking hypothetical situations for probable ones. Keep an eye out for the situations in which you employ the term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could theoretically be

Replaces "can" with "could", emphasizing a theoretical possibility.

might conceivably be

Substitutes "can" and "hypothetically" with "might conceivably", softening the assertion.

may potentially be

Replaces "hypothetically" with "potentially", focusing on potential outcomes.

is theoretically possible

Rephrases the entire structure to emphasize theoretical possibility.

is hypothetically achievable

Shifts the focus to the achievability of a hypothetical scenario.

is speculatively possible

Replaces "hypothetically" with "speculatively", highlighting the speculative nature.

is conjectured to be

Introduces a more formal tone, suggesting the idea is based on conjecture.

can, in theory, be

Adds "in theory" to emphasize the theoretical nature of the possibility.

is deemed hypothetically

Implies judgment or assumption within the hypothetical scenario.

is presumed to be hypothetically

Highlights the presumption and hypothetical nature of scenario.

FAQs

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

Use "can hypothetically be" to introduce a situation or outcome that is possible but not guaranteed, often depending on specific conditions or assumptions. For example, "The disease "can hypothetically be" eradicated with widespread vaccination".

What are some alternatives to "can hypothetically be"?

You can use alternatives like "could theoretically be", "might conceivably be", or "may potentially be" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "can hypothetically be" and "is theoretically possible"?

While similar, "can hypothetically be" emphasizes the potential action or state, whereas "is theoretically possible" focuses on the possibility itself. "The system "can hypothetically be" improved" versus "Improving the system "is theoretically possible"".

When is it appropriate to use "can hypothetically be"?

It's appropriate when discussing potential outcomes or scenarios that are not certain but are possible under specific, often theoretical, conditions. Avoid using it when the outcome is highly probable or already confirmed.