there can be

USAGE SUMMARY

'there can be' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is often used to introduce the possibility of something happening, such as: "There can be a lot of unexpected benefits to putting in the extra effort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Without it there can be no development".

Unicef

There can be cracks.

The New York Times - Sports

There can be conflicts".

The New York Times

There can be violent suppression.

The New York Times

There can be no impunity.

The New York Times

There can be no negotiation".

Independent

And there can be dangers.

The New York Times

Also there can be twists.

The New York Times - Arts

There can be big waves.

The New York Times

But there can be shortcomings.

The New York Times

There can be mitigating circumstances.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there can be" to introduce potential outcomes, possibilities, or the existence of something without being overly assertive. It's suitable for a wide range of contexts from formal reports to casual conversations.

Common error

While "there can be" is grammatically correct, overuse can lead to a passive and wordy writing style. Consider rephrasing to use active voice for a more direct and engaging tone, where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there can be" functions as an existential construction, indicating the possibility or potential existence of something. It's used to introduce a subject or situation that might occur or be present, as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there can be" is a versatile phrase used to express possibility, potential, or the existence of something. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a correct and commonly used phrase across various contexts, including news, business, and academic writing. While grammatically sound, it's important to avoid overuse to prevent passive voice. Consider alternative phrases like "there might be" or "there may be" for subtle variations in meaning. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "there can be" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there may be

This is a more formal alternative, suggesting possibility or permission.

there could be

This suggests a hypothetical or conditional possibility.

there might be

This phrase is less assertive, indicating a weaker possibility or uncertainty.

it is possible for there to be

This alternative adds a layer of formality and explicitness, emphasizing the possibility.

it's feasible that there is

This alternative emphasizes the practicality or achievability of something.

it's conceivable that there will be

This expresses possibility with an element of imagination or hypothesis about the future.

chances are there will be

This suggests a higher likelihood or probability of something happening.

it is not impossible for there to be

This uses a double negative to express a potential outcome, implying less likelihood.

it's not out of the question that

This suggests that while unlikely, something is still within the realm of possibility.

the potential exists for

This alternative focuses on the inherent capacity or possibility of something developing.

FAQs

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

"There can be" is used to introduce the possibility of something existing or occurring. For example, "There can be unforeseen consequences" or "There can be exceptions to the rule".

What are some alternatives to "there can be"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "there might be", "there may be", or "it is possible for there to be".

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "there can be"?

While "there can be" is grammatically correct, overusing it can lead to passive voice. Aim for a balance, using active voice when you want to emphasize the actor and passive voice when the action is more important.

What's the difference between "there can be" and "there will be"?

"There can be" indicates a possibility, while "there will be" suggests a higher degree of certainty or a future intention. For example, "There can be delays" implies delays are possible, whereas "There will be delays" states that delays are expected.