it can be said

USAGE SUMMARY

It can be said is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to introduce an opinion that you or someone else believes to be true. For example, "It can be said that democracy is the most reliable form of government."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It can be said that the speedup gained over its sequential counterpart is almost linear.

Information Sciences

It can be said that impurity Sn atom was an effective dopant for IZO.

Surface and Coatings Technology

In general, it can be said that this effect decreased towards lower stress amplitudes.

International Journal of Fatigue

It can be said that lignin molecular weight is a crucial parameter in vanillin production.

Catalysis Today

It can be said that, there is critical duration time for each pressure and temperature conditions.

Construction and Building Materials

Thus, it can be said that model predicts the phenomena very well.

Computers and Electronics in Agriculture

Hence, it can be said that architecture discipline is engaged with art.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

In this sense, it can be said that theatrical posters have the characteristics of cultural posters.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

It can be said that the REA can model the convective drying of sewage sludge well.

Procedia Chemistry

It can be said that Gatland, again, scores heavily here.

Independent

Now it can be said: Get a generation going.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it can be said" to introduce a generally accepted idea or a conclusion drawn from evidence, ensuring the context supports the assertion.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions like "it can be said", as overuse can make your writing sound weak and impersonal. Consider direct and active alternatives when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can be said" primarily functions as an introductory expression to present a statement, opinion, or conclusion. It softens the tone and indicates that the following statement is generally accepted or supported by evidence. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is both grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it can be said" is a versatile introductory expression used to present statements, opinions, or conclusions in a relatively neutral and objective manner. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage across various contexts, particularly in science and news media. While it is generally suitable for formal and professional settings, writers should be mindful of potential overuse and consider direct alternatives for increased clarity and impact. Its widespread use, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples, makes it a valuable tool in communicating ideas effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is generally accepted that

Indicates a widespread consensus or belief, lending authority to the statement.

it is arguable

Suggests a point that can be debated or defended, rather than simply stated as a fact. Shifts from assertion to potential discussion.

it is understood that

Implies a shared or tacit understanding, framing the statement as a common knowledge or assumption.

it seems fair to say

Adds a subjective judgment of fairness or appropriateness to the statement, softening the tone.

it is plausible

Indicates that something is believable or likely, adding a layer of possibility or credibility.

it is worth noting

Highlights the importance or relevance of the statement, drawing attention to a particular detail.

the evidence suggests

Grounds the statement in empirical support, presenting it as a conclusion derived from data.

it is reasonable to assume

Introduces an assumption based on available information, framing the statement as a logical inference.

we can infer that

Emphasizes the process of drawing a conclusion based on evidence, making the reasoning more explicit.

one might assert

Presents a statement as a personal assertion or claim, often implying a degree of confidence or conviction.

FAQs

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

Use "it can be said" to introduce a generally accepted idea or a conclusion drawn from evidence. For example, "it can be said that the economy is improving".

What phrases are similar to "it can be said"?

Similar phrases include "it is arguable", "it is plausible", or "it is generally accepted that".

Is "it can be said" formal or informal?

"It can be said" is generally considered neutral to formal. While suitable for academic and professional contexts, less formal alternatives might be preferred in casual conversation.

When should I avoid using "it can be said"?

Avoid using "it can be said" when a more direct or active construction would add clarity and strength to your writing. Overuse can also make your writing sound weak.