can that be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can that be" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when asking if something is possible or feasible. Example: "Can that be done by tomorrow?" Alternative expressions include "is that possible" and "could that be."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

How can that be effective?

The Guardian

How can that be fair?

Independent

How can that be possible?

The New York Times

How can that be a democracy?

The New York Times

How can that be bad?

The New York Times

How can that be done?

The New York Times

How can that be changed?

The Guardian

How can that be racist?

The Guardian - Opinion

How can that be allowed?

The Guardian

How can that be so?

The New Yorker

How boring can that be?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can that be", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are expressing doubt, disbelief, or simply seeking confirmation. The tone can change significantly based on the surrounding words and the overall situation.

Common error

Avoid using "can that be" when you intend to express certainty or agreement. This phrase is best suited for situations where there's uncertainty or a question about the validity of something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can that be" functions primarily as an interrogative expression. It is used to question the possibility, truth, or validity of a statement or situation. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can that be" is a versatile phrase employed primarily to express surprise, doubt, or inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It appears frequently in news and media, scientific writing, and formal business communication. While adaptable, it's crucial to use it when uncertainty is intended, and not as an expression of certainty. Alternatives include "is that possible" and "could that be the case", depending on the context and desired level of emphasis. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of "can that be" allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is that possible

Replaces the modal verb "can" with "is" to directly question possibility.

could that be the case

Adds "the case" to explicitly refer to a situation or fact being considered.

is that conceivable

Uses the adjective "conceivable" to emphasize the ability to imagine or believe something.

is that plausible

Uses the adjective "plausible" to focus on whether something is believable or likely.

might that be so

Employs "might" and "so" to express a weaker degree of possibility or agreement.

how is that even possible

Adds emphasis on the apparent impossibility of something.

is there a chance that

Phrases the inquiry as whether there is a possibility of something happening.

can it really be

Uses "really" to express incredulity or surprise.

is it true that

Shifts the focus to the truthfulness of a statement or situation.

would that be feasible

Asks about the practicality and achievability of something.

FAQs

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

Use "can that be" to express doubt, disbelief, or inquiry about something. For example, "The project is already finished? How "can that be"?"

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

You can use alternatives like "is that possible", "could that be the case", or "is that conceivable" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "can that be" or "is that"?

"Can that be" implies more surprise or disbelief than a simple "is that". The choice depends on whether you want to express strong doubt or just seek information.

What's the difference between "can that be" and "could that be"?

"Could that be" often suggests a slightly more remote possibility or hypothetical situation, while "can that be" typically relates to a more immediate or surprising circumstance.