can still be

USAGE SUMMARY

"can still be" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that still holds true or retains its characteristics despite changing conditions or events. For example, "Despite being a decade old, the book's insight into the workings of the human mind can still be appreciated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Potential can still be realised.

The Economist

Loading can still be slow.

The New York Times

More can still be done.

The New York Times

They can still be trusted".

The New Yorker

Deals can still be found.

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps less can still be more.

The New York Times

Consolidation, however, can still be brutal.

The New York Times

Delay can still be a problem, though.

The New York Times

But good deals can still be found.

The New York Times

Kevin can still be big man.

The New Yorker

Harsh criticism can still be polite.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can still be" to express that a possibility or condition remains valid despite changes or challenges. It effectively conveys continuity and potential.

Common error

Avoid using "can still be" when the likelihood is extremely low or unrealistic. Ensure the possibility you're describing has a reasonable basis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can still be" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility or continuation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread use, illustrating its role in expressing that something remains viable or true despite changing conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can still be" serves as a versatile tool for expressing ongoing potential or possibility across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage in news, science, and academia, making it a reliable choice for conveying continuity and adaptability. While it's best to avoid overstating certainty, incorporating "can still be" effectively communicates that something remains viable despite challenges or changes. With alternative phrases such as "remains to be" and "continues to be" available, writers can select the most appropriate wording to maintain clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continues to be

Focuses on the ongoing nature of something's existence or state.

is still capable of being

Emphasizes the inherent capability of something to exist or occur.

has the potential to be

Stresses the possibility and potential for something to develop or become.

is still viable as

Indicates that something remains a practical or workable option.

remains to be

Highlights the aspect of something still needing to be done or experienced.

could still exist as

Suggests the possibility of continued existence in a specific form.

may yet be

Implies that something is possible in the future.

is yet able to be

Emphasizes the opportunity or capability that still exists for something.

the option remains to be

Highlights the existence of a continuing option.

is not impossible to be

Underlines the absence of impossibility for a certain state or condition.

FAQs

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

Use "can still be" to indicate that something is possible or continues to exist, despite certain circumstances. For example, "Even with the new regulations, small businesses "can still be" profitable".

What's a good alternative to "can still be"?

Alternatives include phrases like "remains to be", "continues to be", or "is still capable of being", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "can still be" formal or informal?

"Can still be" is generally considered neutral and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.

What does "can still be" imply in a sentence?

It implies a degree of possibility or continuation despite potential obstacles or changes. It suggests that something is not yet foreclosed or impossible.