can reasonably be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'can reasonably be' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to imply that something is likely to be true or valid, given the current facts or context. For example: It can reasonably be assumed that the plan will be successful, given the amount of resources available.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is no collective grief that can reasonably be shared.

The Guardian - Opinion

Neither can reasonably be expected to accept unilateral disarmament.

The Washington Post

Nothing here that can reasonably be called "news".

The Guardian

It can reasonably be argued that if Maj.

The New York Times - Arts

No standard or certification can reasonably be expected to fully mitigate water risks.

The Guardian

Despite his struggling in the IPL Pietersen can reasonably be expected to deliver some magic.

The Guardian - Sport

Sears Holdings provides another example of what can reasonably be tested and what can't.

Harvard Business Review

The diagnosis can generate a long list of problems, more than can reasonably be addressed.

Harvard Business Review

Common knowledge is information that a reader can reasonably be expected to know.

Columbia University

Figure 3: Wind turbines are quickly reaching the limits of how big they can reasonably be.

Harvard University

Why aren't we talking about fathers and what can reasonably be expected of them?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can reasonably be" to express that a conclusion or action is logical and supported by evidence, but avoid overusing it to maintain writing clarity and conciseness.

Common error

Avoid using "can reasonably be" when there's insufficient evidence or a high degree of uncertainty. Instead, consider alternative expressions that reflect the level of confidence more accurately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can reasonably be" functions as a modal construction used to express possibility, probability, or justification based on available evidence or logical inference, functioning as a hedge. Ludwig AI indicates this expression is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

30%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can reasonably be" is a versatile modal construction used to express a justifiable or logical possibility. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. It's crucial to remember that while "can reasonably be" suggests likelihood, it also implies a degree of uncertainty. Therefore, always consider the context and available evidence when employing this phrase. Alternatives such as "can logically be" or "can justifiably be" may offer more precise nuances depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey. The phrase appears most often in News & Media, Science, and Academia.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can logically be

Emphasizes the logical basis for something being the case, focusing on deduction and reasoning.

can justifiably be

Highlights the aspect of justification or fairness in the possibility, suggesting a moral or ethical basis.

can legitimately be

Focuses on the lawfulness or permissibility of the action or state, implying adherence to rules and regulations.

can fairly be

Suggests impartiality and balance in the assessment, indicating a lack of bias.

can realistically be

Highlights that possibility is grounded in reality. It focuses on practical considerations and feasibility.

can appropriately be

Suggests the suitability and correctness of something within a given context, emphasizing relevance and fitness.

can suitably be

Indicates that something is well-matched or adapted for a particular purpose or situation, highlighting its fitness.

can rationally be

Similar to "can logically be" but puts more emphasis on a person's rationality, and suggests that something aligns with reason and intellect.

can properly be

Emphasizes adherence to standards and conventions. It focuses on the correctness and accuracy of something.

can expectedly be

Highlights the predictability, given the present situation. It focuses on likelihood and certainty.

FAQs

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

The phrase "can reasonably be" indicates something is likely based on available information or logical inference. For example, "It "can reasonably be assumed" that the project will succeed given the allocated resources."

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

Alternatives include "can logically be", "can justifiably be", or "can legitimately be" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative adjusts the nuance of justification or permissibility.

Is it redundant to use "can reasonably be expected"?

While "can reasonably be expected" might seem repetitive, it emphasizes both the possibility and the anticipation of an event. However, consider if "can reasonably be" or "can expectedly be" alone sufficiently conveys your intended meaning.

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

"Can reasonably be" implies a conclusion drawn from evidence or logic, while "is likely to be" suggests a higher probability based on general trends or expectations. The former highlights the reasoning process, whereas the latter emphasizes the anticipated outcome.