which can be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which can be" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when introducing a hypothetical situation or possibility. For example, "This technology has the potential to revolutionize the industry, which can be achieved if it is implemented successfully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Which can be awful.

The New York Times

Which can be quite enjoyable, I think".

The New York Times - Books

Which can be a harrowing experience.

The New Yorker

Which can be liberating.

The New York Times

Which can be nice.

The Guardian - Film

Which can be very boring".

The Guardian - Film

Which can be hard to do.

The New York Times - Arts

They make predictions, which can be tested.

The Guardian - Opinion

– which can be read in full here.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many large groups, which can be noisy.

The New York Times

Which is fine, which can be done great, but......

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which can be" to introduce non-essential clauses that provide additional information. Ensure the clause is set off with commas.

Common error

Avoid using "which" in essential clauses that define or limit the noun they modify. In these cases, use "that" instead. For example, "The book that I borrowed is due today" (essential) vs. "The book, which can be found on the top shelf, is due today" (non-essential).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which can be" functions as a relative clause, introducing additional, non-essential information about a preceding noun or noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. This phrase typically connects a description or potential attribute to the subject it modifies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which can be" is a versatile phrase used to introduce non-essential clauses, providing extra details or potential attributes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, suitable for various writing contexts from news to science. While generally neutral, it's crucial to distinguish it from "that can be", which introduces essential clauses. Remembering to use commas correctly with "which can be" ensures clarity in your writing. With its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, mastering its usage enhances writing quality and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that may be

Replaces "which" with "that", focusing on a specific instance or condition.

that could be

Substitutes "can" with "could", suggesting a lower degree of certainty or possibility.

that might be

Uses "might" instead of "can", implying a more tentative or speculative possibility.

something that is

Reformulates the phrase to emphasize the attribute or state of being.

what is able to be

Expands the phrase to highlight the capacity or ability to be in a certain state.

something that can exist as

Lengthens the phrase to stress the potential for something to take a particular form.

that is susceptible to being

Highlights vulnerability or likelihood of being affected by something.

something with the potential to be

Focuses on the inherent potential of something to develop into a particular state.

it is possible to be

Reformulates the phrase to directly state the possibility of being in a certain state.

that has the capacity to be

Emphasizes the inherent ability or power of something to exist or become.

FAQs

How to use "which can be" in a sentence?

Use "which can be" to introduce non-essential clauses, providing additional information about something already identified. For example, "The project, "which can be" challenging, is also very rewarding."

What's the difference between "which can be" and "that can be"?

"Which can be" introduces non-restrictive (non-essential) clauses set off by commas, while "that can be" introduces restrictive (essential) clauses not set off by commas. A non-restrictive clause adds extra information, whereas a restrictive clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence.

What are some alternatives to "which can be" for formal writing?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "that may be", "something that is", or "what is able to be" to add a degree of formality. Keep in mind that "which can be" is already acceptable in formal contexts.

Is "which can be" always followed by a comma?

When "which can be" introduces a non-essential clause, it should be preceded by a comma. However, if it introduces an essential clause, no comma is needed, though this is less common and often "that" is preferred instead of "which" in those cases.