that can be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that can be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing a capability, possibility, or potential for something. For example: "The project is designed to be adaptive, that can be advantageous for future expansions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Are these elements that can be measured?

The New York Times - Arts

I love things that can be both.

The New York Times

He says things that can be controversial.

BBC

that can be worn daily.

WikiHow

Eye makeup, that can be.

WikiHow

Purchase glasses that can be painted.

WikiHow

Cereals that can be eaten dry.

WikiHow

That can be corrected.

The New York Times

"That can be powerful".

The New York Times

That can be useful.

The Economist

That can be inhibiting.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that can be" to introduce a potential outcome or characteristic. For example: "The software is highly adaptable; that can be advantageous in various scenarios."

Common error

Avoid stringing together multiple clauses with "that can be". Break down long sentences for clarity. For example, instead of "The data, that can be analyzed, that can be used to improve strategies, that can be very valuable.", try "Analyzing the data can improve strategies, which is very valuable."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that can be" functions as a relative clause or adjectival phrase, modifying a preceding noun or clause by indicating a potential quality, state, or outcome. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, its versatility is confirmed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

12%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that can be" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate possibility, potential, or capability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely used in written English. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and general writing. Remember to use it to introduce potential outcomes or characteristics and avoid overuse in overly complex sentences. Considering alternatives like "which may be" or "that is able to be" can enhance clarity and style. Understanding these nuances will help you effectively incorporate "that can be" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which may be

Replaces "that" with "which" and "can" with "may", softening the assertion of possibility.

that is able to be

Replaces "can" with "is able to", emphasizing capability.

this could be

Substitutes "that" with "this" and "can" with "could", indicating a specific instance and possibility.

it is possible to be

Rephrases the phrase to emphasize the possibility aspect.

that might be

Replaces "can" with "might", suggesting a lower probability.

that will be

Replaces "can" with "will", indicating a future certainty.

that has the potential to be

Expands the phrase to highlight potential.

that is likely to be

Emphasizes the probability of something occurring.

it can happen

Simplifies the phrase to express the possibility of an event.

that becomes

Focuses on the resulting state or transformation.

FAQs

How can I use "that can be" in a sentence?

Use "that can be" to introduce a potential quality, outcome, or possibility. For example: "The flexibility of this approach is crucial; "that can be" very beneficial in unpredictable circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "that can be"?

You can use alternatives like "which may be", "that is able to be", or "it is possible to be" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "that can be" at the beginning of a sentence?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with ""that can be"" might sound slightly informal or abrupt. Consider rephrasing for a smoother transition, especially in formal writing.

What is the difference between "that can be" and "that is"?

"That can be" implies a potential or possibility, while "that is" states a fact. For example, ""that can be" improved" suggests it's possible to improve something, whereas "that is improved" indicates it has already been done.