it can be deep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can be deep" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing topics or experiences that have significant emotional or intellectual depth. Example: "When exploring the themes of love and loss in literature, it can be deep and thought-provoking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If it can be coated, it can be deep fried.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

However, the aftermath caused problems during the day with South Wales Fire and Rescue advising motorists not to drive through flood water, saying it can be deeper and faster flowing than it appears.

BBC

It can be deeper and wider and stronger than anything that will fit into a first impression or two.

Huffington Post

I hope her book and all that comes with it are clear as can be, deep, rich and nuanced.

Huffington Post

Of course, like the consciousness behind it, behind any art, a poem can be deep or shallow, glib or visionary, prescient or stuck in an already lagging trendiness.

The Guardian - Books

Okay, so he can be deep, too.

Independent

The trauma can be deep and long-lasting.

The Guardian

Yet the effect can be deep and intense.

The New York Times - Food

I'm used to that, I know they can be deep".

The Guardian - Books

Walks start from the door: you can be deep in the countryside within half a mile.

The Guardian - Travel

All can be deep and funny, and sometimes both at once.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it can be deep" to suggest that something has significant emotional, intellectual, or moral depth. Consider the context to ensure the level of depth is appropriate for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "it can be deep" as a generic descriptor. Be specific about what makes something deep, providing examples or explanations to support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can be deep" functions as a qualifier, suggesting a potential attribute of a subject. It indicates that something has the capacity to possess depth, whether emotional, intellectual, or moral. Ludwig confirms this is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it can be deep" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to suggest the potential for profundity or significance. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English. It commonly appears in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, reflecting its wide applicability. When using this phrase, consider being specific about the source of the depth you are referencing. Alternatives like "it might be profound" or "it could be significant" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. Overall, "it can be deep" is a valuable tool for writers aiming to express the possibility of something having substantial depth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it might be profound

Replaces "can" with "might", suggesting possibility but less certainty; and uses "profound" for emphasis.

it could be significant

Substitutes "can" with "could", indicating a conditional possibility; "significant" highlights importance.

it has the potential to be profound

Emphasizes the inherent capability for profoundness.

it may be insightful

Replaces "deep" with "insightful", focusing on the ability to provide understanding.

it has layers of meaning

Shifts focus to the complexity and multiple interpretations possible.

it runs deeper than it seems

Indicates that there is more to the subject than initially apparent.

there's more to it than meets the eye

Highlights hidden aspects and complexities.

it goes beyond the surface

Emphasizes that the subject is not superficial.

it is not as simple as it looks

Implies that the apparent simplicity is deceiving.

it is multifaceted

Focuses on having many different aspects or features.

FAQs

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

Use "it can be deep" to indicate that a topic, experience, or feeling possesses significant emotional, intellectual, or moral depth. For example, "When exploring the themes of love and loss in literature, "it can be deep" and thought-provoking."

What can I say instead of "it can be deep"?

You can use alternatives like "it might be profound", "it could be significant", or "it has layers of meaning" depending on the context.

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

"It can be deep" suggests a potential for depth, while "it is deep" asserts that something definitively possesses depth. The former expresses possibility, while the latter expresses certainty.

Is "it can be deeply" grammatically correct?

While grammatically possible, "it can be deeply" is less common and often sounds awkward. "It can be deep" is generally preferred, but you could also rephrase to use an adverb modifying a specific verb, such as "it can resonate deeply".