can usually be

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "can usually be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a normal or common occurrence. For example: "Healthy eating habits can usually be established by making small changes to your diet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Bikes can usually be rented.

The New York Times - Travel

This money can usually be spent on whatever you want.

The Guardian - Money

If that fails, it can usually be treated, even beaten.

The New York Times

The fire quotient can usually be modulated on request.

The New York Times

Even patients whose cancer has metastasized can usually be cured.

The New York Times - Health

This can usually be found on the university's website.

The Guardian

Normal blood flow can usually be reestablished by surgery.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Jointless seam welding can usually be applied to vinyl sheeting.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Those brands can usually be found on the large boulevards.

The New York Times

A specific cause, or trigger, can usually be identified.

The New York Times

But ordinary glass or ceramic bowls can usually be used.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can usually be" to express a common or typical possibility without making an absolute claim. It acknowledges exceptions while highlighting a general trend.

Common error

Avoid using "can usually be" when the possibility is not common or when certainty is required. In those cases, consider stronger or more specific phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can usually be" functions as a modal phrase expressing possibility or probability. It combines the modal verb 'can' with the adverb 'usually' to indicate that something is likely or commonly true, but not always certain. As per Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can usually be" is a versatile expression used to indicate a common or typical possibility, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts make it a reliable choice for expressing general expectations. While alternatives like "is generally able to be" or "tends to be" offer nuanced variations, "can usually be" strikes a balance between informality and precision, making it suitable for various writing styles. It's important to avoid overstating certainty and consider more specific language when necessary, although this phrase is appropriate in many cases and sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is generally able to be

Replaces "usually" with "generally able", emphasizing capability more directly.

is commonly found to be

Focuses on the frequency of finding something in a certain state.

is typically observed as

Highlights observation and typicality, suitable for scientific or descriptive contexts.

is often seen to be

Emphasizes the frequency of observation, similar to "commonly found".

tends to be

Indicates a tendency or inclination towards a particular state or outcome.

will generally be

Shifts the focus to a future expectation that is likely to occur.

is for the most part

Suggests that something is true except in some exceptional situations.

is on the whole

Similar to "for the most part", indicating a general truth.

as a rule

A more formal way to indicate a general pattern or standard practice.

in most cases

Specifically addresses situations where the statement holds true most of the time.

FAQs

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

Use "can usually be" to indicate a common or typical possibility. For example, "Problems with the software "can usually be" fixed with a simple update".

What are some alternatives to "can usually be"?

Alternatives include "is generally able to be", "is commonly found to be", or "tends to be", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "can usually be" too vague for formal writing?

While "can usually be" is acceptable, more precise language might be preferred in formal writing. Consider phrases like "is typically observed as" or "in most cases" to add specificity.

What's the difference between "can usually be" and "is always"?

"Can usually be" implies a common but not universal occurrence, while "is always" suggests that something is true in every instance without exception. The first one is more flexible and realistic.