characteristics can be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "characteristics can be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the potential or possible traits of a subject or object. Example: "The characteristics can be observed in various species of plants, highlighting their adaptability to different environments."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The characteristics can be explained beyond sex".

The New York Times - Sports

What characteristics can be attributed to certain kinds of people".

The New Yorker

Their physical characteristics can be altered by the players, he said.

The New York Times - Tech

Neither of these two characteristics can be accounted for by sense experience.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Agreement on these characteristics can be found in most descriptions of the functions of ritual.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Efficiencies and operating characteristics can be improved by increasing operating temperatures.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human characteristics can be remarkably complex to code.

BBC

Personal psychological characteristics can be reflected by behaviours.

Brain Informatics

However, these characteristics can be affected by weathering.

Environmental Sciences Europe

The patient's baseline characteristics can be found in Table 1.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

Corresponding output characteristics can be matched with the experimental results.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing potential qualities, ensure that the context clearly indicates whether you are discussing inherent attributes or characteristics that are subject to change or influence.

Common error

Avoid using "characteristics can be" when the attributes are definitively confirmed. In such cases, opt for more direct phrasing like "characteristics are."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "characteristics can be" functions as a descriptor of potential or variable attributes. It indicates that certain qualities or features are possible or subject to change depending on context. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "characteristics can be" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe potential or variable attributes. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It commonly appears in scientific, news, and encyclopedic sources, indicating its broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with the intended meaning of potential or changeability. Avoid using it when referring to fixed attributes. By considering alternative phrases such as "attributes may be" or "features could be", you can fine-tune your writing for greater precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attributes may be

Replaces "characteristics" with "attributes" and "can be" with "may be", indicating a possibility.

features could be

Substitutes "characteristics" with "features" and "can be" with "could be", suggesting a potential.

properties might be

Changes "characteristics" to "properties" and "can be" to "might be", implying a degree of uncertainty.

traits are able to be

Replaces "characteristics" with "traits" and uses "are able to be" instead of "can be", adding emphasis on capability.

qualities are susceptible to being

Substitutes "characteristics" with "qualities" and employs "are susceptible to being", indicating vulnerability to change.

aspects may potentially be

Changes "characteristics" to "aspects" and combines "may" and "potentially" to emphasize possibility.

elements might possibly be

Replaces "characteristics" with "elements" and uses both "might" and "possibly" to indicate a lower likelihood.

attributes are subject to being

Substitutes "characteristics" with "attributes" and uses "are subject to being", indicating conditionality.

features are liable to be

Changes "characteristics" to "features" and uses "are liable to be", suggesting a tendency.

properties are inclined to be

Replaces "characteristics" with "properties" and uses "are inclined to be", indicating a natural tendency.

FAQs

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

Use "characteristics can be" to describe potential or variable attributes. For instance, "The physical "characteristics can be altered" by environmental factors."

What are some alternatives to "characteristics can be"?

Alternatives include "attributes may be", "features could be", or "properties might be", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. For example, "The key "qualities are susceptible to being" affected by outside factors".

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "characteristics can be"?

It's inappropriate when describing fixed, unchangeable attributes. In such instances, use "characteristics are" instead. For example, avoid saying "His "characteristics can be" kind and compassionate" if he is always kind and compassionate.

What's the difference between saying "characteristics can be" and "characteristics are"?

"Characteristics can be" implies potential or variability, while "characteristics are" indicates a present, definite state. For example, "The "patient's characteristics can be found" in Table 1" implies the characteristics are documented, while "His characteristics are kindness and intelligence" states inherent qualities.