Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
can so be
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "can so be" is not standard in written English and may be considered awkward or incorrect.
It might be used in informal contexts to emphasize a possibility or capability, but it is not commonly accepted in formal writing. Example: "This solution can so be effective if implemented correctly."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
Wiki
News & Media
Alternative expressions(20)
can indeed be
can certainly be
may well be
can definitely be
can absolutely be
can possibly be
could potentially be
can actually be
can thus be
is capable of being
might conceivably be
can rather be
can accordingly be
can consequently be
can however be
can even be
can still be
can hence be
can then be
can therefore be
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
8 human-written examples
New network designs, traffic scenarios, and capacity expansions can so be evaluated.
The lifecycle can so be closed for fuel use in agriculture.
The use of electronic tools that alert when KDIGO criteria are met can so be of help.
Science
Process cycles of various energy systems can so be ecologically evaluated and provide usable information and a practical model for a stakeholder process.
If this lower bound and the upper bound in the previous section are tight, the exact diversity order of JNCCs can so be determined, as will be illustrated in Section 'Practical JNCC for n u r = 2 '.
Rigorous estimates can so be completed to obtain a fuller picture of likely population health impacts from various risks.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
52 human-written examples
Whether he can so is another question entirely.
News & Media
Weapons can hurt so be careful.
Wiki
Glue can stick, so be careful.
Wiki
Lizards can bite, so be careful!
Wiki
People can be insulted, so be careful.
Wiki
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Instead of using the awkward phrase "can so be", opt for more standard alternatives like "can indeed be" or "can certainly be" to improve clarity and grammatical correctness.
Common error
Avoid using "can so be" in academic papers or professional communications. While it may appear in informal contexts, it generally weakens the impact of your writing. Replace it with stronger, more accepted phrases.
Source & Trust
79%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "can so be" functions as a modal phrase attempting to express possibility or capability. However, as Ludwig AI highlights, its non-standard usage often leads to awkward phrasing and grammatical ambiguity. It is generally advisable to use more common and accepted alternatives.
Frequent in
Science
43%
Wiki
29%
News & Media
28%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "can so be" attempts to express possibility or capability, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect and stylistically awkward. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is not standard in written English and suggests using alternatives such as "can indeed be" or "can certainly be" for improved clarity and grammatical correctness. The usage contexts, ranging from scientific articles to WikiHow guides, highlight the phrase's presence across various domains, yet its infrequent occurrence suggests a preference for more conventional phrasing. Therefore, writers should exercise caution and opt for more accepted alternatives in formal writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
can indeed be
Emphasizes the possibility with 'indeed', a stronger affirmation than 'so'.
can certainly be
Replaces 'so' with 'certainly', indicating a high degree of confidence in the possibility.
can possibly be
Uses 'possibly' to express that something might happen or be true.
may well be
Expresses a reasonable expectation or probability.
could potentially be
Indicates a conditional possibility.
can actually be
Emphasizes that something is, surprisingly, possible.
can in fact be
Highlights the truth or reality of a possibility.
can thus be
Indicates a result or consequence.
is capable of being
Focuses on the inherent ability or capacity.
might conceivably be
Suggests a remote or theoretical possibility.
FAQs
How to use alternatives to "can so be" in a sentence?
Instead of "can so be", you can use alternatives such as "can indeed be", "can certainly be", or "may well be" depending on the context.
Which is correct, "can so be" or "can indeed be"?
"Can indeed be" is generally considered more grammatically correct and stylistically appropriate than "can so be" in formal English.
What are some stronger alternatives to "can so be" that emphasize possibility?
To emphasize possibility more strongly, you could use phrases like "can certainly be", "can definitely be", or "can absolutely be".
What's the difference between "can so be" and "can thus be"?
"Can thus be" implies a causal relationship, suggesting that something results from a previous action or condition, while "can so be" is generally considered grammatically awkward and lacks a clear, standard meaning. "Can thus be" should be preferred over "can so be" due to its correct grammatical usage.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
79%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested