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can be sometimes vs can sometimes be

Both phrases are correct, but the more common, natural phrasing is "can sometimes be." The adverb "sometimes" usually comes before the verb phrase in English.
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Explained by Miss E.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: October 20, 2024 • 11980 views

can be sometimes

This phrase is correct but less common in English.

This phrase is used to indicate that something has the potential to occur occasionally or at certain times.

Examples:

  • The weather in this city can be sometimes unpredictable.
  • His behavior can be sometimes confusing.
  • The internet connection can be sometimes unreliable.
  • The quality of the product can be sometimes inconsistent.
  • Her mood can be sometimes difficult to predict.
  • Even a politician can be sometimes.
  • Well, that is the kind of hero I can be sometimes.
  • I just can't believe how cavalier you can be sometimes.
  • Like, he can be sometimes a little obnoxious,
  • How unkind you can be sometimes!
  • I know how lonely it can be sometimes.
  • Sanctions can be sometimes a rather Pavlovian foreign policy reaction: what is important is to examine the credibility of sanctions and to ensure that, where you put them in place, you apply them as rigorously as possible.
  • I will ask the Socialist Group to remove a small section of their amendment, which states 'can be sometimes in practice'.I would propose to them that they remove this part of the sentence.

Alternatives:

  • can sometimes be
  • can occasionally be
  • can be at times
  • can be intermittently
  • can be sporadically

can sometimes be

This phrase is the more common and natural way to express the idea.

This phrase is used to indicate that something has the potential to occur occasionally or at certain times.

Examples:

  • The weather in this city can sometimes be unpredictable.
  • His behavior can sometimes be confusing.
  • The internet connection can sometimes be unreliable.
  • The quality of the product can sometimes be inconsistent.
  • Her mood can sometimes be difficult to predict.
  • I think the young love can sometimes be the most important.
  • You know, revisiting a good experience can sometimes be as beneficial as returning to a bad one.
  • Harmony can sometimes be a consolation.
  • In fact, it can sometimes be closer and more environmentally friendly to buy across the border, for instance, instead of in the same country.
  • Jealousy can sometimes be a sign of love or commitment.
  • My little Eric can sometimes be a bit dramatic.
  • In today's fast-paced business climate, it can sometimes be hard to know when a comment or an action crosses the line.
  • What is most important with regard to transparency is public access to documents, because the openness of meetings can sometimes be rather deceiving.
  • Some people say that having Asperger's can sometimes be a bad thing, but I'm glad I have it, because I think it's my greatest strength.
  • Success can sometimes be just as disconcerting and frightening as failure, especially when you have questions about your own worthiness and your abilities.
  • We must, of course, be sensitive about forcing our more liberal and tolerant values on others, because it can sometimes be counterproductive.
  • Drunken behavior can sometimes be a sign of neurological impairment.
  • These reactions can sometimes be serious.
  • And artists can sometimes be sensitive.
  • I can sometimes be a delightful combination of daring and clumsy.
  • The skill can sometimes be in math or painting or even memory.
  • Cultural differences can sometimes be difficult to...
  • It can sometimes be brave to allow yourself hope.
  • Merriment can sometimes be a heavier burden than battle.
  • These volumes can sometimes be very small.

Alternatives:

  • can be sometimes
  • can occasionally be
  • can be at times
  • can be intermittently
  • can be sporadically

Related Comparisons

attributed vs can be attributed sometimes are vs are sometimes was got vs was get can be raised vs can be considered

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