what can be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what can be" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing possibilities or potential outcomes. Example: "Consider what can be achieved with teamwork." Alternative expressions include "what is possible" and "what may occur."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What can be said.

The New Yorker

What can be the difficulties?

The New York Times

So what can be done?

The New York Times

Still, what can be done?

The New York Times

what can be saved?

The New York Times

What can be negotiated?

The New York Times

What can be done about negative artists?

The New Yorker

What Can Be Done to Stop Bullying?

The New York Times

What can be remembered and held dear?

The New Yorker

What can be done to stop them?

The Economist

What can be done to avoid failure?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what can be", ensure the context clearly defines the subject being discussed. Ambiguity can arise if it's unclear what possibilities are being considered.

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple clauses beginning with "what can be" within a single sentence. This can create convoluted and difficult-to-follow prose. Break down complex ideas into simpler sentences for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what can be" functions as a versatile grammatical element capable of introducing noun clauses, acting as a subject complement, or serving as a focal point for exploring potential outcomes. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its adaptability in different sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

24%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what can be" serves as a linguistic springboard for exploring possibilities and potential outcomes across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and high frequency of this phrase, highlighting its adaptability in both formal and informal communication. From news reports examining potential solutions to scientific studies exploring potential findings, "what can be" invites reflection on future states and encourages imaginative thinking. While versatile, it's important to maintain clarity and avoid overuse in complex sentence structures, as this can hinder readability. By recognizing its nuances and application, writers can harness the power of "what can be" to enrich their expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is possible

Replaces "can be" with its direct synonym "is possible", emphasizing potential.

what might be

Substitutes "can" with "might", suggesting a degree of uncertainty or speculation.

what could be

Replaces "can" with "could", indicating a hypothetical or conditional possibility.

what is achievable

Focuses on the attainability aspect, replacing "can be" with "is achievable".

what is attainable

Similar to "what is achievable", this highlights the feasibility of something.

what is feasible

Emphasizes the practicality and suitability of an option.

what is conceivable

Highlights the imaginability or understandability of a possibility.

what is within the realm of possibility

A more formal and elaborate way of expressing potential.

what is capable of being

Highlights the inherent capacity or ability for something to exist or occur.

what potentially exists

Shifts the focus to the present existence of potential, rather than future realization.

FAQs

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

The phrase "what can be" is used to explore possibilities or potential outcomes. For example, "Consider "what is possible" with new technology" or "Let's discuss "what is achieved" through collaboration".

What phrases are similar to "what can be"?

Alternatives include phrases like "what is possible", "what might be", or "what is attainable", each subtly shifting the nuance of possibility or potential.

Is "what can be" formal or informal?

The phrase "what can be" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its versatility allows it to be used across various types of writing and speech.

How does "what can be" differ from "what is"?

"What is" refers to the current state or factual information, while "what can be" explores potential future states or possibilities. The former describes reality; the latter speculates on "what could be".