can often be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'can often be' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to specify that something tends to happen frequently. For example: "Normal conversations in the workplace can often be interrupted by unexpected tasks or requests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These can often be tedious, protracted affairs.

The New York Times

Such spending can often be deducted.

The New York Times

The result can often be a disappointment.

Independent

Evidence can often be the best medicine.

The Economist

change can often be good.

The Guardian - Sport

They can often be "eccentric".

The Guardian

Slower can often be better.

The New York Times

In fact, big can often be better.

The Guardian

He can often be found backchecking.

The New York Times - Sports

One's fate can often be worse.

The New York Times - Health

Such skill can often be deadening.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can often be" to indicate a common but not guaranteed occurrence, adding nuance to your statements. It's useful when describing trends or probabilities rather than absolutes.

Common error

Avoid using "can often be" repeatedly within the same paragraph. Vary your language with alternatives like "frequently", "commonly", or "typically" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can often be" functions as a modal phrase expressing possibility and frequency. It indicates that something is likely or probable to occur regularly, though not in every instance. Ludwig examples show it describing tendencies, characteristics, and potential outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can often be" is a versatile modal phrase used to indicate a frequent but not guaranteed occurrence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. While it appears most commonly in News & Media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. To enhance your writing, use it judiciously and consider alternatives to prevent repetition. Understanding its function allows for precise communication of probabilities and tendencies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is commonly

Replaces "often" with "commonly" to indicate a typical occurrence.

is usually

Substitutes "often" with "usually" to suggest something happens in most cases.

is typically

Emphasizes that something conforms to a type or pattern.

is frequently

Changes the modal verb and adverb to a more direct statement of frequency.

tends to be

Indicates a predisposition or inclination toward a certain state.

is prone to be

Highlights a susceptibility or vulnerability to a particular condition.

is apt to be

Indicates a natural tendency or suitability.

is liable to be

Suggests a possibility based on circumstances or characteristics.

will frequently be

Adds future tense to emphasize recurring possibility.

may frequently be

Combines possibility and frequency to suggest intermittent likelihood.

FAQs

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

Use "can often be" to express that something is frequently, but not always, the case. For example: "Meetings "can often be" unproductive if not properly managed."

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

You can use alternatives such as "frequently is", "commonly is", or "typically is", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. For example, instead of "delays "can often be" costly", you could say "delays "are frequently" costly".

Is it correct to say "can be often"?

No, the correct phrasing is "can often be". The adverb "often" should be placed between the modal verb "can" and the verb "be".

What's the difference between "can often be" and "is always"?

"Can often be" indicates a frequent occurrence, while "is always" suggests that something is invariably true in every instance. "Mistakes "can often be" learning opportunities" means mistakes frequently, but not always, provide a chance to learn. "Mistakes "are always" something to avoid" would express a strong, constant negative perspective.