can then be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can then be" is correct, and it is commonly used in written English.
You can use it when you want to specify a particular event or situation that follows the previously mentioned event or situation. For example, "The lunch break will last for 30 minutes, which can then be used for relaxing or team-building activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Files can then be downloaded and decrypted.

The New York Times - Tech

The cells can then be warmed rapidly.

The Guardian

However, this decision can then be appealed.

The Guardian - Business

A warning can then be issued.

The New York Times

This can then be used in weapons.

The Guardian

Four related questions can then be raised.

SEP

can then be obtained as.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Substantial computation cost can then be saved.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

The optimal design can then be obtained.

Mathematics and Computers in Simulation

Only one theory can then be correct.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

The PCR product can then be sequenced.

Mycological Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can then be" to clearly indicate a sequential relationship between two events or actions, ensuring the second action is a direct consequence of the first.

Common error

Avoid using "can then be" in sentences where the sequence is obvious or implied. Simpler constructions often provide greater clarity. For instance, instead of "The ingredients are mixed, and the cake can then be baked", use "Mix the ingredients and bake the cake."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can then be" functions as a sequential connector, linking two actions or states where the second is contingent upon the first. It indicates a potential or permitted outcome following a prior event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

69%

News & Media

17%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can then be" serves as a sequential connector, commonly used to indicate that an action or event is a direct consequence of a preceding one. Grammatically sound and prevalent across diverse contexts, particularly in scientific and news media, it establishes a clear sequence while maintaining a neutral to formal tone. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and commonly used. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overuse in simple sentences to maintain clarity and conciseness. Alternatives like "can subsequently be" or "can later be" offer nuanced options to express the same sequential relationship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can later be

Uses "later" instead of "then" to indicate a time difference.

can consequently be

Replaces "then" with "consequently", highlighting the resultative aspect of the sequence.

can afterwards be

Uses "afterwards" instead of "then" to specify the subsequent timing of the action.

may subsequently be

Changes the auxiliary verb to 'may' introducing a sense of possibility rather than certainty and replaces "then" with the more formal "subsequently".

will subsequently be

Changes the auxiliary verb to "will" expressing future action, and replacing "then" with the more formal "subsequently".

could afterwards be

Substitutes "can" with "could", indicating a potential or conditional outcome and replacing "then" with "afterwards".

could consequently be

Substitutes "can" with "could", indicating a potential or conditional outcome, and replacing "then" with "consequently", highlighting the resultative aspect of the sequence.

might therefore be

Replaces "can" with "might", suggesting a lower probability and substitutes "then" with "therefore" to emphasize a logical consequence.

may therefore be

Changes the auxiliary verb to "may" introducing a sense of possibility rather than certainty and substitutes "then" with "therefore" to emphasize a logical consequence.

might subsequently be

Replaces "can" with "might", suggesting a lower probability and replaces "then" with the more formal "subsequently".

FAQs

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

Use "can then be" to show a sequential relationship where one action follows another as a direct consequence. For example, "Once the data is collected, it "can then be" analyzed".

What are some alternatives to saying "can then be"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "can subsequently be", "may then be", or "can afterwards be".

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "can then be"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "can then be" in simple or obvious sequences can make your writing sound redundant. Consider simpler alternatives in those cases.

What is the difference between "can then be" and "will then be"?

"Can then be" indicates a possibility or permission for something to occur after a previous action, while "will then be" implies a certainty or prediction that something will happen next.