can theoretically be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can theoretically be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing possibilities or hypothetical situations in a theoretical context. Example: "In a perfect world, this method can theoretically be applied to solve complex problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Plastic straws can, theoretically, be recycled.

The Guardian

If love is reducible to physical systems, then these systems can, theoretically, be manipulated.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Penaltiesfor breaches of antitrust rules can theoretically be as much as 10% of turnover.

The Guardian - Business

By installing a simple transducer pair, the system can theoretically be adapted to follow any target.

Cornell University

If the user manages to time and signal correctly perfect accuracy can theoretically be achieved.

Cornell University

The technology can theoretically be used both inside the body and on the skin.

The New York Times

Mesh networks, on the other hand, can theoretically be free from the grasp of governments and corporations.

The New Yorker

Severe penaltiees, such as life imprisonment, can theoretically be imposed for those undergoing or assisting unlawful abortion.

The Guardian

With fixed wireless, building a network and providing service to consumers can theoretically be quicker and less expensive.

The New York Times - Tech

The shtick is that every recipe in the series can theoretically be cooked in either 10, 20 or 30 minutes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But you aren't necessarily going to need to cooperate for some of these technologies; they can, theoretically, be used covertly.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can theoretically be", consider adding qualifiers or caveats to acknowledge potential limitations or challenges that may prevent the theoretical possibility from becoming a reality.

Common error

Avoid presenting a scenario that "can theoretically be" achieved as a guaranteed outcome. Emphasize that theoretical possibilities are subject to various constraints and conditions, and practical feasibility should be assessed separately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can theoretically be" functions as a modal phrase, expressing a possibility or potential within a theoretical framework. Ludwig AI demonstrates its use across diverse domains, suggesting a versatile application.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can theoretically be" is a versatile modal phrase used to express theoretical possibilities, primarily found in scientific, news, and academic contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and conveys a sense of possibility within a theoretical framework but doesn't guarantee practical feasibility. When using this phrase, it's beneficial to provide context and qualifiers to distinguish between theoretical potential and real-world limitations. Alternatives include "could potentially be" or "is theoretically possible", which offer similar but nuanced meanings. Understanding these nuances can enhance the precision and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could potentially be

Implies possibility and potential, similar to "can theoretically be" but with a slightly stronger emphasis on potential.

could in theory be

Reorders the phrase for a slightly different emphasis, maintaining the core meaning of theoretical possibility.

might theoretically be

Suggests a theoretical possibility, emphasizing uncertainty more than "can theoretically be".

may theoretically be

Similar to "might theoretically be", indicating a theoretical possibility with some degree of uncertainty.

is theoretically possible

Focuses on the theoretical possibility rather than the capability, offering a more direct statement of possibility.

is hypothetically possible

Replaces "theoretically" with "hypothetically", stressing the conditional nature of the possibility.

is in theory feasible

Uses "feasible" instead of "possible", indicating that the possibility is practical in theory.

is theoretically conceivable

Substitutes "possible" with "conceivable", highlighting the ability to imagine or conceive of the possibility.

is theoretically achievable

Replaces "possible" with "achievable", suggesting that the possibility is within the realm of accomplishment, at least in theory.

is theoretically attainable

Emphasizes the idea of reaching or gaining something in theory, rather than just the general possibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "can theoretically be" to describe situations that are possible in theory but not necessarily in practice. For example, "This problem "can theoretically be" solved with this new algorithm, but there are still some practical challenges to overcome."

What are some alternatives to "can theoretically be"?

Alternatives include "could potentially be", "might theoretically be", or "is theoretically possible". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. For example, consider "could potentially be".

What's the difference between "can theoretically be" and "is possible"?

"Can theoretically be" specifies that something is possible according to a theory, while "is possible" is a more general statement of possibility. "Can theoretically be" often implies a caveat or condition. An alternative that includes a similar theoretical qualification may be "is hypothetically possible".

Is it appropriate to use "can theoretically be" in formal writing?

Yes, "can theoretically be" is appropriate in formal writing, especially in academic or scientific contexts where theoretical possibilities are often discussed. A more emphatic version can be "is theoretically achievable".