they can be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they can be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the potential or possibility of something existing or occurring in a certain way. Example: "These plants are quite resilient; they can be grown in various climates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or, they can be grilled.

The New York Times

They can be corrupt.

The New York Times

They can be significant.

The New York Times

They can be buried.

The Economist

Well, they can be.

Independent

They can be irresistible.

The New Yorker

"They can be impossible.

The New York Times

They can be.

The New Yorker

They can be enormous.

The New York Times - Travel

"They can be rented".

The New Yorker

They can be teachers.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they can be" to express a potential or possibility. Ensure the context makes it clear who or what "they" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "they can be" without a clear antecedent for "they". Ensure the reader knows who or what "they" refers to to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they can be" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a potential, possibility, or ability. It typically precedes an adjective, noun, or verb phrase to describe a state or action that they are capable of achieving.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

As demonstrated by the examples provided by Ludwig, the phrase "they can be" is a versatile expression used to denote possibility, potential, or capability. It's grammatically sound and widely accepted, according to Ludwig AI. The phrase is frequently found in news articles and general writing, though it maintains a presence in academic and scientific contexts as well. When using "they can be", ensure that the referent of "they" is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "they might be" or "they could be" offer subtle shifts in meaning, allowing for more precise communication. In essence, "they can be" is a useful and correct phrase that enables the effective description of possibilities and potentials.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they might be

Expresses a slightly lower probability or possibility compared to "they can be".

they could be

Indicates a potential or conditional possibility.

they may be

Suggests a possibility, often used in more formal contexts.

they are able to be

Emphasizes the ability or capacity for something to be in a certain state.

it is possible for them to be

Formal way to express the possibility of something.

they have the potential to be

Focuses on the inherent potential for something to develop or become.

they are capable of being

Highlights the capability or capacity to be in a certain condition.

it's conceivable that they are

Implies that something is imaginable or believable.

they are liable to be

Suggests a tendency or likelihood for something to occur.

they stand a chance of being

Indicates a reasonable probability or opportunity.

FAQs

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

Use "they can be" to express a possibility or potential. For example, "With the right training, "they can become" excellent athletes."

What are some alternatives to "they can be"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "they might be", "they could be", or "they may be".

Is it always clear who "they" refers to when using "they can be"?

Not always. Ensure the antecedent of "they" is clear in your writing to avoid ambiguity. If there is no clear antecedent, rephrase to specify who or what you are referring to.

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

"They can be" expresses a possibility, while "they will be" expresses a certainty or expectation. For example, "They can be successful if they work hard" (possibility), versus "They will be successful because they are talented" (certainty).