can perhaps be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can perhaps be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express uncertainty or possibility regarding a situation or outcome. Example: "This method can perhaps be improved with further research and testing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As such, the failure to specify the options being compared can perhaps be understood.

Applied Health Economics and Health Policy

The true situation can perhaps be put as follows.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The automakers can perhaps be forgiven for aiming high.

The New York Times

And that last point can, perhaps, be generalized.

The New Yorker

One that can, perhaps, be solved by more technology.

The New York Times - Tech

And these are policies that, carefully managed, can perhaps be helpful.

Cornell University

O'Grady's readiness to step in can perhaps be explained by the horrors of his own childhood.

Independent

A few white button mushrooms ($3.99) can perhaps be indulged in.

The New York Times - Magazine

Wobbles and near-mistakes can perhaps be excused in a junior troupe.

The New York Times - Arts

The film can, perhaps, be forgiven for merging these events to create a more dramatic ending.

The Guardian - Film

A clue can perhaps be found in the cuts that were actually made.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can perhaps be" to introduce a suggestion or possibility that you are not entirely certain about. This adds a layer of nuance and avoids making definitive statements.

Common error

While useful, overuse of "can perhaps be" can make your writing sound hesitant. Vary your language by using stronger verbs or rephrasing sentences to express certainty where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can perhaps be" functions as a modal phrase, indicating a possibility or suggestion. As Ludwig AI states, it expresses uncertainty regarding a situation or outcome. This aligns with the examples provided, where the phrase introduces potential explanations or outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can perhaps be" is a versatile expression used to indicate possibility with a touch of uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. It is most appropriate when introducing suggestions or potential explanations without making definitive statements. Be mindful of overuse, and consider alternatives like "might possibly be" or "could potentially be" to diversify your writing. Remember to maintain a neutral register in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might possibly be

Replaces "can" with "might" and "perhaps" with "possibly", softening the possibility slightly.

could potentially be

Substitutes "can" with "could" and "perhaps" with "potentially", emphasizing the potential for something to happen.

may conceivably be

Replaces "can" with "may" and "perhaps" with "conceivably", suggesting a possibility that is within the realm of imagination.

is possibly able to be

Adds "able to", which changes the structure slightly and adds a sense of capability.

may be plausibly

Changes "can perhaps" to "may be plausibly", focusing on the believability of the situation.

is reasonably likely to be

Conveys a moderate level of confidence in the possibility of something.

is not unlikely to be

Uses a double negative to express possibility, suggesting a notable chance.

it's not out of the question that it is

Expresses a sense of possibility while acknowledging that it's not a certainty.

it is within the realm of possibility that it is

Indicates a theoretical possibility, often used in more formal contexts.

it is a distinct possibility that it is

Highlights the clear chance or prospect of something occurring.

FAQs

How to use "can perhaps be" in a sentence?

The phrase "can perhaps be" is used to express a possibility or suggestion with a degree of uncertainty. For example: "This method "can perhaps be improved" with further research."

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

You can use alternatives like "might possibly be", "could potentially be", or "may conceivably be" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "can" and "perhaps" together?

While both words indicate possibility, using them together as "can perhaps be" emphasizes a lower degree of certainty than using just "can be". The phrase softens the statement and acknowledges uncertainty.

In what context is "can perhaps be" most appropriate?

The phrase "can perhaps be" is suitable in various contexts where expressing uncertainty is important. It's common in news articles, academic papers, and everyday conversation when discussing speculative topics.