it can be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can be" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use this phrase in place of a verb to indicate potential or possibility. For example: "Given the proper tools, it can be a relatively simple task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It can be both.

The New York Times

A: It can be.

The New York Times

But it can be.

The Economist

And it can be.

The New York Times

It can be disorienting.

The New York Times

It can be worse.

The New York Times

It can be confusing.

The New York Times

It can be uncomfortable.

The New York Times

It can be impressive.

The New York Times - Magazine

It can be extreme.

The New Yorker

Yes, it can be.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by occasionally using alternative phrases like "it is possible" or "it might be" to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "it can be" in overly vague statements. Always provide sufficient context to ensure the reader understands what "it" refers to and the nature of the possibility being discussed. For example, instead of saying "it can be difficult", specify what "it" is (e.g. "learning a new language can be difficult").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can be" functions as a modal phrase expressing possibility, potential, or capability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe a range of conditions and attributes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it can be" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate possibility or potential. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and identifies its frequent use across various contexts, including news media, formal business communications, and general writing. While suitable for a wide range of situations, it's important to provide adequate context to avoid vagueness and ensure clear communication. Alternative phrases like "it is possible" or "it might be" can add variety to your writing. With a high expert rating and widespread usage, mastering the appropriate use of "it can be" is valuable for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is possible

Emphasizes the possibility of something happening or being true.

it is able to be

Highlights the capability of something to be in a certain state.

it might be

Suggests a weaker degree of possibility compared to "it can be".

it could be

Similar to "it might be", indicating a possibility.

it may be

Formally expresses a possibility.

it has the potential to be

Focuses on the inherent potential of something.

it is liable to be

Indicates a tendency or probability of something happening, often with a negative connotation.

it is subject to being

Highlights that something is under the influence or control of something else.

it risks being

Emphasizes the potential negative consequence or outcome.

it is known to be

Implies a common understanding or recognition of something.

FAQs

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

Use "it can be" to express a possibility or a potential quality of something. For example, "With the right training, "it can be done"" or "It can be challenging to learn a new skill."

What are some alternatives to using "it can be"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "it is possible", "it might be", or "it could be" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "it can be" formal or informal?

"It can be" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider using more formal alternatives like "it is possible" in highly formal writing.

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

"It is" states a fact, while "it can be" expresses a possibility or potential. For example, "The sky is blue" states a fact, whereas "The sky "it can be cloudy"" indicates a possible state.