this can be

USAGE SUMMARY

"this can be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a way of expressing a possibility or to suggest a course of action. For example, "This can be a solution to the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This can be hard.

The Guardian - Opinion

This can be expensive.

The Economist

This can be expected".

The New York Times

This can be done.

The New Yorker

This can be surreal.

The Economist

This can be fixed.

The New York Times

This can be useful.

The New York Times - Magazine

This can be humbling.

The New York Times

This can be engineered.

The Guardian

This can be fiendishly expensive.

The Economist

This can be quite brazen.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this can be" to introduce potential outcomes or possibilities. For example, "This can be a valuable learning experience if approached with the right mindset."

Common error

While versatile, overusing "this can be" in formal writing can make your tone sound less decisive. Opt for stronger verbs and more specific language to convey certainty or authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this can be" serves as a versatile introductory phrase, presenting a possibility, potential outcome, or characteristic. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and widely used. The examples demonstrate its role in setting up expectations or providing possible scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

39%

News & Media

37%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this can be" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase that introduces possibilities, potential outcomes, or characteristics. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for a variety of contexts but is more common in news and media and wiki-based sources. While versatile, it is important to be mindful of overusing it, particularly in formal writing, where more direct and specific language might be preferred. When choosing alternatives, consider nuances related to possibility and certainty to maintain the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is able to be

Uses 'able' instead of 'can', focusing on capability.

this could be

Replaces 'can' with 'could', suggesting a possibility that is less certain.

this may be

Substitutes 'can' with 'may', indicating a possibility or likelihood.

this might be

Employs 'might' in place of 'can', conveying a weaker degree of possibility.

it is possible for this to be

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the possibility.

it is feasible for this to be

Replaces 'can' with 'feasible', highlighting the practicality of the possibility.

this has the potential to be

Focuses on the potential inherent in the situation.

this can turn into

Suggests a transformation or evolution of the subject.

this can evolve into

Similar to 'turn into', but emphasizes a gradual change.

this is capable of being

Highlights the capacity of the subject to be something.

FAQs

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

You can use "this can be" to introduce a possibility, outcome, or characteristic. For example, "This can be a great opportunity" or "This can be achieved through hard work".

What are some alternatives to "this can be"?

Alternatives include "this may be", "this could be", "it is possible to", or "it is feasible to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "this can be"?

While generally correct, "this can be" might be too vague for formal contexts. Consider using more specific and direct language to enhance clarity and impact.

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

"This can be" indicates a possibility, while "this will be" expresses a certainty. For example, "This can be challenging" suggests a potential difficulty, whereas "This will be challenging" asserts that it undoubtedly will be.