"can be responsible" vs "could be responsible"

Question

"can be responsible" vs "could be responsible"

Both 'can be responsible' and 'could be responsible' are correct and commonly used in English. 'Can be responsible' implies a general ability or possibility, while 'could be responsible' suggests a more tentative or hypothetical situation. The choice between them depends on the context and the level of certainty or possibility the speaker wants to convey.

Last Updated: March 26, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate the general ability or possibility of someone being responsible for something.

Examples:

The new evidence suggests that he can be responsible for the crime.
In this situation, anyone can be responsible for the mistake.
She can be responsible for the success of the project.

Alternatives:

may be responsible
might be responsible
could be responsible
is responsible
has the potential to be responsible

This phrase is used to suggest a more tentative or hypothetical situation regarding someone being responsible for something.

Examples:

If he was at the scene, he could be responsible for the accident.
She could be responsible for the missing documents.
The virus could be responsible for the recent increase in cases.

Alternatives:

may be responsible
might be responsible
can be responsible
is responsible
has the potential to be responsible

Answer 1

can be responsible

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

could be responsible

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"can be responsible" vs "could be responsible"

can be responsible

could be responsible

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