can it be that

USAGE SUMMARY

"can it be that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when you want to express your wonderment or surprise. For example, "Can it be that the teacher gave you an A on that test?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Can it be that simple?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Twenty years ago — can it be that long?

The New York Times

Can it be that flight has sobering effect on people?

The New Yorker

Can it be that Indians accept these foreigners as essentially Hindu and even Brahman?

Princeton University

'How can it be that hard to make a law that parents cannot hit their kids?

Harvard University

Can it be that Muammar el-Qaddafi saw himself as a new African Caesar?

The New York Times

Can it be that Gerhard Schröder's labour-market reforms are actually working?Quite likely.

The Economist

Can it be that Joseph is the patron saint of mob rule?

The New Yorker

But wait: how can it be that à la carte will cause cable prices to rise?

The New York Times

"How can it be that people today can't afford to buy food?" she asks.

The Guardian

Can it be that superstition is not an exact science after all".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can it be that" to introduce a statement of surprise or disbelief. It works best when the situation is unexpected or counterintuitive.

Common error

Avoid using "can it be that" excessively in formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it may sound too informal or rhetorical for some contexts. Opt for more direct and objective phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can it be that" functions as a rhetorical question, used to express surprise, doubt, or disbelief. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It introduces a statement that the speaker finds hard to believe or is questioning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

24%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can it be that" is a versatile phrase used to express surprise, disbelief, or wonderment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in written English, particularly in news and media, academic writing, and scientific contexts. While its register is generally neutral, it may be perceived as too informal for certain formal settings. When using this phrase, consider the context and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall tone and purpose of your writing. Alternatives like "is it possible that" or "could it be that" can offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is it possible that

Focuses on possibility rather than direct wonderment.

could it be that

Expresses a slightly weaker level of surprise or speculation.

is it conceivable that

Implies a higher degree of skepticism or doubt.

can this really be

Expresses strong disbelief or astonishment.

might it be the case that

More formal and emphasizes the hypothetical nature of the situation.

is it imaginable that

Explores the realm of possibility, often in a surprising context.

could one imagine that

Similar to "is it imaginable that" but emphasizes a personal perspective.

is it true that

Questions the veracity of a statement.

are we to believe that

Challenges the credibility of a claim or assertion.

is there a chance that

Focuses on the probability, however small, of something occurring.

FAQs

How can I use "can it be that" in a sentence?

Use "can it be that" to express surprise or disbelief about something. For example, "Can it be that he actually won?" implies surprise that he won.

What phrases are similar to "can it be that"?

Alternatives include "is it possible that", "could it be that", or "is it true that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "can it be that" formal or informal?

"Can it be that" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. It's suitable for most conversational and journalistic contexts, but might be too rhetorical for formal academic writing.

What's the difference between "can it be that" and "is it possible that"?

"Can it be that" often implies a greater degree of surprise or disbelief, while "is it possible that" focuses more on the possibility itself, without necessarily conveying strong emotion.