sometimes can

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sometimes can" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to indicate the occasional ability or action of someone or something. Example: Sometimes, she can be quite stubborn and refuse to listen to anyone else's opinion.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Emotions sometimes can be bad".

The Guardian - Sport

The team tactic sometimes can backfire.

The New York Times - Sports

Revolutions sometimes can be tricky, and difficult.

The New York Times - Sports

And sometimes: Can you dance to it?

The New York Times - Arts

I sometimes can be very difficult.

The New York Times

Thus, beauty sometimes can smother meaning.

The Guardian - Film

Much depends on his putting, which sometimes can be indifferent.

The New Yorker

Sometimes, can be these type of games, sometimes not.

The New York Times - Sports

"Reality sometimes can be very tough," he said.

The New York Times

Which to receive sometimes can be very cold comfort.

The Guardian

But form is as fickle as faith sometimes can be.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sometimes can" to express possibilities or occasional actions, ensuring the context clearly indicates the infrequency and not a constant or regular occurrence.

Common error

Avoid using "sometimes can" when describing events that happen regularly or frequently; this diminishes the impact and accuracy of your statement. Consider using adverbs like "often", "usually", or "frequently" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sometimes can" functions as an adverbial modifier combined with a modal verb, expressing possibility or occasional ability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sometimes can" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey possibility or occasional ability. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility, showing its presence in a diverse range of sources. Though appropriate for most general contexts, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or professional writing. Understanding its nuances allows writers to accurately communicate the frequency and conditions under which something occurs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

occasionally is able to

Replaces "sometimes" with "occasionally" and "can" with "is able to", emphasizing the capacity or potential to do something but less frequently.

may at times

Uses "may" to indicate possibility, and "at times" instead of "sometimes", suggesting that the event occurs periodically.

is known to occasionally

This alternative emphasizes recognition or awareness of the occasional action.

is capable of occasionally

Focuses on the capability to perform an action at irregular intervals.

under certain circumstances

Indicates that the action is conditional and depends on the situation.

in some instances, may

Highlights specific situations where something might occur.

proves to be intermittently

Suggests that something is intermittently evident or effective.

from time to time is known to

Suggests sporadic occurrences, known but not regular.

on occasion is able to

Like "sometimes", but subtly highlights the sporadic nature of the ability.

has the potential to intermittently

Emphasizes the inherent possibility of something occurring, although irregularly.

FAQs

How can I use "sometimes can" in a sentence?

Use "sometimes can" to indicate that something is possible or happens occasionally. For example, "Even rough or graphic humor "sometimes can" be explained away."

What are alternatives to "sometimes can"?

You can use alternatives such as "occasionally is able to", "may at times", or "is known to occasionally" to convey a similar meaning with slight variations.

Is it always appropriate to use "sometimes can" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "sometimes can" may sound less formal than alternatives like "occasionally" or "under certain circumstances". Choose based on the tone you want to convey.

What's the difference between "sometimes can" and "often can"?

"Sometimes can" implies an infrequent occurrence, whereas "often can" indicates something happens more regularly. The choice depends on the actual frequency you wish to convey.