can indeed be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “can indeed be” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize a point or to express agreement, as in the following example: "The changes we make could have a positive impact on the environment—they can indeed be beneficial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Doctors can indeed be heroes.

The New York Times

Byrne's style can indeed be glutinously affectionate.

The Guardian - Books

Seeing Conrad clearly can indeed be tricky.

The Guardian - Books

Yes, shoes can indeed be glamorous.

The Guardian - Music

Music can indeed be physically dangerous.

The New York Times

All the coverage can indeed be overwhelming.

The New York Times

The workplace can indeed be cozy.

The New York Times

The tunnels can indeed be intimidating.

The New York Times

Change understood can indeed be change supported.

The New York Times

We think the world can indeed be managed better.

The New York Times

Hedge funds can indeed be run from anywhere.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, reserve this phrase for instances where a more emphatic tone is desired, as it can sometimes sound slightly assertive or emphatic.

Common error

Avoid using "can indeed be" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can come across as overly formal or stiff. Opt for simpler alternatives like "can be" or "is" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can indeed be" functions as a modal auxiliary phrase. It combines the modal verb 'can' indicating possibility or ability, with the adverb 'indeed' to add emphasis or confirmation, followed by 'be' as a linking verb. As Ludwig AI suggests, it emphasizes a point or expresses agreement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can indeed be" is a versatile modal phrase used to emphasize the possibility or truth of a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It's commonly found in news articles, scientific publications, and formal writing, adding a touch of emphasis or confirmation. While effective, it's best to avoid overusing it in informal contexts to maintain a natural tone. Remember that alternatives like "can certainly be" or "can truly be" can offer similar emphasis with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can certainly be

Replaces "indeed" with "certainly" to emphasize the likelihood or certainty.

can truly be

Substitutes "indeed" with "truly" to highlight the genuineness or authenticity of something.

can genuinely be

Employs "genuinely" instead of "indeed" to underscore the sincerity or realness.

can actually be

Uses "actually" in place of "indeed" to denote a factual or surprising reality.

can really be

Replaces "indeed" with "really" to add emphasis and convey a sense of actuality.

can legitimately be

Replaces "indeed" with "legitimately" to indicate that something is valid or justifiable.

may well be

Offers a more tentative alternative, suggesting a strong possibility.

could actually be

Combines possibility with actuality, implying a real but perhaps unexpected outcome.

is indeed capable of being

Expands the phrase to emphasize the inherent ability or capacity.

is veritably

A more formal and emphatic way of saying something is truly the case.

FAQs

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

Use "can indeed be" to emphasize the possibility or reality of something. For example: "With hard work, your goals "can indeed be" achieved".

What can I say instead of "can indeed be"?

You can use alternatives like "can certainly be", "can truly be", or "can genuinely be" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can indeed be" or "can be indeed"?

"Can indeed be" is the correct and more common word order. "Can be indeed" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "can indeed be" and "can possibly be"?

"Can indeed be" emphasizes certainty or confirmation, whereas "can possibly be" suggests a lower probability or uncertainty.