can virtually be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can virtually be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is almost or nearly true, but not entirely so, often in contexts discussing possibilities or hypothetical situations. Example: "With the advancements in technology, remote work can virtually be done from anywhere in the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Dense and jammy, it can virtually be cut with a knife and spooned onto French toast and waffles.

The New York Times

Some models, as Linda, were presented as a set of inter-agent communication primitives which can virtually be added to any programming language.

Computer Languages, Systems & Structures

Because this approach can virtually be applied to any biomolecule or coordination complex, the elaboration of bio-based hybrid catalysts seems promising for advance in catalysis.

Coordination Chemistry Reviews

The celebrated Road Hole bunker straight-walled, cylindrical, five feet deep—fits so snugly into the kidney's indentation that it can virtually bunker straight-walledr in the middle of a green.

The New Yorker

The celebrated Road Hole bunker — straight-walled, cylindrical, five feet deep — fits so snugly into the kidney's indentation that it can virtually be regarded as a bunker in the middle of a green.

The New Yorker

However, in vitro degradation studies during 182 days demonstrated that, despite their increased amorphous character, these materials were very resistant to hydrolysis due to the steric effect of the ε-DL units, and can virtually be considered as non-biodegradable polymers.

Polymer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Because of VT the AADI can decrease, which virtually is a paradoxal improvement [ 9, 14, 15].

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

When well done, these elements can be be virtually invisible and can benefit everyone, regardless of age or ability.

The New York Times

Only starting with the Vietnam War can we be virtually certain that none of the best-known photographs were setups.

The New Yorker

It supports delivery within minutes of materials that can only be virtually browsed.

University of Chicago

Handling can be virtually eliminated; fingers that can damage paper are kept well away from digital media.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can virtually be" to express a situation that is almost true or nearly achieved, but with a slight reservation. This is useful when describing possibilities or potential outcomes that aren't fully realized.

Common error

Avoid using "can virtually be" when the situation is definitively true or false. The phrase implies a degree of uncertainty or approximation, so using it in an absolute context weakens the statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can virtually be" functions as a modal construction expressing possibility with a high degree of approximation. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase suggests that something is close to being true without being entirely so. Examples show its use in academic, scientific, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can virtually be" is a modal phrase indicating a high degree of approximation or likelihood. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and used to express that something is almost or nearly true, without being entirely so. It frequently appears in science and news contexts. Remember to use "can virtually be" when you want to convey a sense of near possibility or approximate truth, but avoid it when discussing absolute certainties. Alternatives like "can almost be" or "can effectively be" may suit different nuances. This phrase serves as a useful tool for precise and nuanced communication in various forms of writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can almost be

Replaces 'virtually' with 'almost', indicating a slight difference in the degree of approximation.

can practically be

Substitutes 'virtually' with 'practically', suggesting that something is feasible in practice.

can effectively be

Replaces 'virtually' with 'effectively', focusing on the functional outcome or result.

can nearly be

Uses 'nearly' instead of 'virtually' to express a close approximation.

can essentially be

Replaces 'virtually' with 'essentially', emphasizing the fundamental nature of the approximation.

can realistically be

Substitutes 'virtually' with 'realistically,' indicating something achievable under specific conditions.

can conceivably be

Replaces 'virtually' with 'conceivably', highlighting possibility or potential.

can approximately be

Uses 'approximately' to specify that something is close to a certain value or state.

can be considered almost

Rephrases the expression to emphasize consideration and approximation.

can be regarded as nearly

Modifies the original phrase to focus on perspective and close approximation.

FAQs

What does "can virtually be" mean?

The phrase "can virtually be" suggests that something is nearly or almost the case, without being entirely so. It implies a high degree of approximation or potential.

When is it appropriate to use "can virtually be"?

Use "can virtually be" when you want to express that something is close to being true or possible, but not completely. It is suitable for describing potential outcomes or approximate states.

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

You can use alternatives like "can almost be", "can practically be", or "can effectively be" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "can virtually be" and "can actually be"?

Yes. "Can virtually be" indicates something is close to being true but not entirely, while "can actually be" implies that something is definitively true or possible. The former is approximate, and the latter is factual.