it can be instructive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can be instructive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that has the potential to teach or provide valuable information. Example: "While the lecture was lengthy, it can be instructive for those who are new to the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

It can be instructive to have one's conduct examined from another perspective.

The New York Times - Magazine

Still it can be instructive to see celebrity this close up, as it flames and wanes.

The New York Times

In thinking about drones strikes and targeted killings, it can be instructive to picture them hitting people you know, either deliberately or as collateral damage.

The New Yorker

It's a concept that the game designer Steve Gaynor calls "specific violence," and it can be instructive in understanding why some game deaths affect us more than others.

The New York Times

By Amy Davidson Sorkin February 20 , 2013In thinking about drones strikes and targeted killings, it can be instructive to picture them hitting people you know, either deliberately or as collateral damage.

The New Yorker

About the fashionable Romans and Neapolitans who love cross-dressing, Carlotta broad-mindedly remarks that it can be "instructive and amusing to exchange your sex for another in the closet from time to time".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

It also can be instructive to look at markets outside the U.S. In East Asia, businesses are taking a more aggressive posture vis-à-vis insurance.

TechCrunch

So while I rebel against the idea of divvying up such statistics and drawing distinctions, it turns out they can be instructive, enlightening and eye-opening for all communities.

Huffington Post

That can be instructive, but it also can get silly.

The New York Times

Willrich's sympathy with those turn-of-the-century opponents of compulsory vaccination can be instructive, but it sometimes leads him to overreach.

The New Yorker

"It's totally for fun but it'll definitely indicate where popular sentiment is, if that can be instructive," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it can be instructive" when you want to suggest that examining something can lead to valuable insights or lessons. Be sure the context implies a learning opportunity.

Common error

While grammatically sound, overuse of "it can be instructive" in very casual conversation might sound overly formal or pretentious. Consider simpler alternatives like "it could help" or "you might learn something."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can be instructive" functions as a comment clause. It introduces an idea or observation and suggests that this idea has the potential to teach or provide valuable insight. As shown in the Ludwig examples, this function is validated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it can be instructive" serves as a useful tool for highlighting the potential learning opportunity within a given topic or situation. As validated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and finds common usage in neutral to slightly formal contexts such as news, science, and academia. While alternatives exist to adjust the nuance, understanding the context in which you wish to use "it can be instructive" will ensure that you convey the most appropriate meaning. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of this phrase in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could be enlightening

Highlights the potential to bring clarity and understanding.

it might be illuminating

Stresses the potential to shed light on a subject.

it may prove educational

Emphasizes the potential for gaining knowledge or understanding.

it might be revealing

Suggests the potential to disclose something previously hidden or unknown.

it can be eye-opening

Highlights the potential to reveal surprising or previously unknown information.

it can serve as a learning experience

Specifically frames the subject as an opportunity to learn and grow.

it might offer insight

Suggests the possibility of gaining a deeper understanding or perspective.

it could offer lessons

Emphasizes the potential to learn from an experience or situation.

it may provide guidance

Focuses on the potential for direction or advice.

it may give understanding

Focuses on the potential to provide a comprehension of a subject.

FAQs

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

Use "it can be instructive" to suggest that something offers a potential learning opportunity. For example, "Analyzing past mistakes "it can be instructive" for future planning."

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

Alternatives include "it could be "enlightening"", "it may prove "educational"", or "it might offer "insight"", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it can be instructive" formal or informal?

"It can be instructive" is generally considered to be neutral to slightly formal. It is appropriate for academic, professional, and news contexts.

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

"It can be instructive" suggests a potential benefit, whereas "it is instructive" states it as a fact. The former implies a possibility of learning, while the latter asserts that learning occurs.