how can that be

USAGE SUMMARY

'how can that be' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express your disbelief at a situation or to ask someone to explain something further. Example sentence: "John won the lottery? How can that be?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

How can that be effective?

The Guardian

How can that be fair?

Independent

How can that be possible?

The New York Times

How can that be a democracy?

The New York Times

How can that be bad?

The New York Times

How can that be done?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

How can that goal be reached?

The New York Times

How can that possibly be the case?

Independent

"How can that even be possible?

Independent

How can that possibly be?

The New York Times - Magazine

How hard can that be?

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience; in some formal settings, a more direct question might be preferable.

Common error

While versatile, "how can that be" can sometimes sound too informal or conversational in formal writing. Opt for more direct or specific questions in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how can that be" serves as an interrogative expression, primarily functioning to question a statement or situation. It seeks clarification or expresses disbelief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a usable and grammatically sound way to ask for further explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how can that be" is a versatile phrase used to express disbelief or request clarification. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and very commonly used, as evidenced by its frequent appearance in news, media, and scientific contexts. Although generally neutral, its suitability may vary based on context formality. Remember to use it to express surprise or invite further explanation when something seems illogical or counterintuitive. Consider more direct alternatives in highly formal writing and avoid overusing it. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can use "how can that be" effectively in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

How could that be?

Emphasizes the speaker's surprise or shock.

How is that possible?

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes the possibility aspect.

Is that even possible?

Focuses more on possibility rather than seeking an explanation.

Why is that the case?

Directly asks for the reasons behind a situation.

I don't understand how that's the case.

More explicitly expresses a lack of comprehension.

Can you explain that?

Directly asks for clarification.

What's the logic behind that?

Questions the reasoning or rationale.

What's the explanation for that?

Seeks a reason or justification.

I find that hard to believe.

Expresses skepticism or doubt.

Is that really true?

Questions the veracity of a statement.

FAQs

How can I use "how can that be" in a sentence?

Use "how can that be" to express disbelief or ask for an explanation when something seems unlikely or illogical. For example, "She won the race? "How can that be", she didn't even train!"

What can I say instead of "how can that be"?

You can use alternatives like "how is that possible", "is that even possible", or "can you explain that" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "how can that be" or "how that can be"?

""How can that be"" is the correct phrasing when asking a question. "How that can be" is a statement and needs to be part of a larger sentence, like "I don't understand how that can be."

Is "how can that be" formal or informal?

""How can that be"" is generally considered neutral in register. While it can be used in informal settings, it's also acceptable in many news and media contexts. In very formal writing, a more direct question might be preferred.