you can see

USAGE SUMMARY

"you can see" is a correctly written English phrase.
You can use it when you wish to emphasize that something is visible to the observer. For example: "If you look out the window, you can see the moon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You can see six".

The New York Times

"You can see something.

The New York Times

"You can see that.

The New York Times - Sports

"You can see it.

The New York Times - Sports

You can see details.

The New Yorker

You can see progress.

The New York Times

"You can see.

The New York Times

"You can see why".

The New York Times - Sports

You can see life.

The Guardian

As you can see.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Any sign you can see.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "you can see" to introduce observations, explain reasoning, or guide the reader/listener through a logical conclusion. It's useful for emphasizing something obvious or easily verifiable.

Common error

Avoid using "you can see" excessively in formal academic papers or professional reports. Opt for more objective language like "it is evident" or "it is clear" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "you can see" is as a modal verb phrase used to express the ability to perceive something visually or to understand something conceptually. Ludwig AI validates this usage across a wide range of examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "you can see" is a common and grammatically correct modal verb phrase used to direct attention to something observable or understandable. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's prevalent in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, although its use should be moderated in highly formal academic or scientific writing. While widely accepted, alternative phrasing like "it is evident" or "it is clear" can enhance formality in certain settings. Its frequency and versatility make it a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is clear

Focuses on the clarity and lack of ambiguity in what is being presented.

it is visible

Replaces the personal pronoun and modal verb with a more direct statement of visibility.

it's plain to see

Adds an element of obviousness or simplicity to the statement.

it is apparent

Shifts the focus to the obviousness of something rather than the act of seeing.

as is evident

Highlights the evidence supporting a particular observation.

it is noticeable

Emphasizes the ease with which something can be observed.

it should be noted

Draws specific attention to a noteworthy detail or observation.

you'll notice

Directs attention to something the listener will likely observe.

one can observe

Uses a more formal tone and emphasizes the act of observation.

one might discern

Uses more formal language and emphasizes subtle observation.

FAQs

How can I use "you can see" in a sentence?

The phrase "you can see" is typically used to point out something obvious or easily observable, as in "If you look closely, "you can see" the faint outline of the mountains".

What's a more formal alternative to "you can see"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "it is evident", "it is clear", or "it is apparent" as alternatives to "you can see".

Is it okay to start a sentence with "you can see"?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable to start a sentence with "you can see", especially when you want to draw the listener's or reader's attention to a specific point. For example, "You can see the logic behind this decision when you consider the circumstances".

What's the difference between "you can see" and "you see"?

"You can see" implies the ability to perceive something, whereas "you see" can be used to check for understanding or introduce an explanation. For example, "You can see the difference in color", versus "You see, the problem is more complex than it appears".