can potentially be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can potentially be" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use this phrase to indicate that something has the possibility of being true or occurring, although it is not guaranteed. For example, "This new technology can potentially be the answer to our energy problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He can potentially be a Ma'a Nonu.

The Guardian - Sport

How much can potentially be recycled?

The Guardian

These problems can potentially be alleviated through waveform inversion.

Journal of Applied Geophysics

Hence, wide application of MSCA can potentially be expected.

Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies

This can potentially be suppressed or prevented by iron chelation.

Journal of Surgical Research

"because you can potentially be worse off in an unhappy marriage.

The New York Times

The commission saved can potentially be passed on to a buyer or tenant as a discount.

The Guardian - Money

In a scenario as common as this one, an observation designation can potentially be deadly.

The Guardian - Opinion

"In this auction, effectively, all bidders can potentially be a seller or buyer".

The New Yorker

The problem can potentially be solved as phosphorous can be recycled.

The Guardian

Therefore low frequency elastic waves can potentially be used to non-destructively inspect honeycomb cores.

Composite Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can potentially be", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are discussing a possibility, not a certainty. This phrase is most effective when exploring future outcomes or theoretical scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using "can potentially be" when the outcome is already determined or highly probable. Overusing it can weaken your argument and make your writing seem less confident. Choose stronger verbs like 'will be' or 'is' when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can potentially be" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or potential. It suggests that something has the capacity to exist or occur, but it is not a certainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English and indicates a possibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

38%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can potentially be" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express possibility and potential across diverse contexts. As Ludwig AI states, it indicates a possibility of being true or occurring, although it is not guaranteed. It is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in science, news media, and academic writing. While emphasizing potential, it's important to avoid overstating potential as a certainty and to consider stronger verbs when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could possibly be

Replaces "can" with "could" for a slightly more conditional tone and replaces "potentially" with "possibly" to maintain same meaning.

might potentially be

Substitutes "can" with "might", indicating a slightly lower probability while keeping "potentially" for emphasis.

may potentially be

Uses "may" instead of "can", suggesting possibility, and retains "potentially" for added emphasis on potential.

could conceivably be

Replaces "can" and "potentially" with "could conceivably", which conveys possibility and conceivability.

might conceivably be

Combines "might" (indicating possibility) with "conceivably" (indicating feasibility).

may conceivably be

Uses "may" for possibility and "conceivably" to denote feasibility.

has the potential to be

This alternative shifts the structure to emphasize the "potential" as a characteristic of the subject.

is potentially able to be

Adds "able to" to emphasize capability, slightly changing the focus from inherent possibility to active capability.

is possibly going to be

Focuses on a future likelihood, suggesting an expectation that something will occur.

is likely to be

Indicates a high probability, differing from the more neutral possibility suggested by "can potentially be".

FAQs

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

Use "can potentially be" to express a possibility or potential outcome, such as, "This new drug "can potentially be" a breakthrough in cancer treatment".

What are some alternatives to "can potentially be"?

Alternatives include "could possibly be", "might potentially be", or "may potentially be", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "can potentially be"?

While "can" already implies possibility, "potentially" adds emphasis to the potential aspect. Whether it's redundant depends on the specific context and desired level of emphasis.

What's the difference between "can potentially be" and "is likely to be"?

"Can potentially be" suggests a possibility that may or may not occur, while "is likely to be" indicates a higher degree of probability.