it can either be

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "it can either be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "it can either be" when you want to refer to two possibilities, such as: "This product can either be used for personal use or for commercial use."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When a public authority fetters its discretion, it can either be said to have failed to exercise its discretionary power or to have been subject to external influences.

Wikipedia

"It can either be masonry or insulated pipe".

The New York Times

It can either be rst (rotate, scale, translate), or trans (translation only).

Harvard University

It can either be viewed statically below or interactively in binder.

Harvard University

It can either be input as an RA/Dec pair, or as a filename.

Harvard University

Entering a pub is like dying: it can either be your passage to heaven or hell.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For each stationary controller, it can either be applied alone or combined with other stationary controllers.

Neurocomputing

It can either be passed into the Fits constructor, or it can be set as a system environment variable.

Harvard University

It can either be simulated with a mediator as a one-on-one or two-on-one.

Harvard University

"It can either be one of -- excuse the bad word -- prostitution, or a solid and serious one".

The New York Times

It can either be farmed "in hand" or let to tenants, sometimes on tenancies that can last for generations.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it can either be", ensure that the two options you present are mutually exclusive and clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it can either be" without clearly specifying both alternatives. For example, instead of saying "The result can either be good", specify what the other alternative is, such as "The result can either be good or bad."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can either be" functions as a connector introducing alternative possibilities. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and indicates that there are two options to consider, as demonstrated in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

26%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Science

18%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it can either be" is a grammatically correct phrase used to present two distinct possibilities or options. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It is frequently found in news, academic, and general writing. To ensure clarity, specify both alternatives clearly and avoid using it without a defined second option. The phrase exhibits neutral register, suitable across formal and informal contexts. Alternatives include "alternatively it can be" or "it may be" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is either

Offers a more direct construction implying only two exclusive options exist

it can alternatively be

Highlights the availability of an alternative option.

alternatively it can be

Explicitly offers an alternative to a previous statement.

it can also become

Emphasizes a change or transition as an alternative.

it may be

Focuses on possibility rather than a binary choice.

it could be

Indicates possibility but less directly implies a choice.

it might be

Similar to "it could be", suggesting a possibility.

it is possible

States possibility explicitly without implying a dual option.

it will be

Focuses on a future state with different possibilities

it is also

Suggests an additional option or aspect.

FAQs

How to use "it can either be" in a sentence?

Use "it can either be" to present two distinct possibilities or choices. For example, "The payment "it can either be" made online or in person".

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

You can use alternatives like "alternatively it can be", "it may be", or "it could be" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "it can either be" or "it can be either"?

"It can either be" is the standard and grammatically correct form. "It can be either" is less common and may sound awkward.

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

"It can either be" presents two exclusive options, while "it can also be" suggests an additional possibility without excluding previous ones.