"can sometimes be" vs "can be sometimes"

Question

"can sometimes be" vs "can be sometimes"

Both "can be sometimes" and "can sometimes be" are correct, but the more common and natural phrasing is "can sometimes be." The adverb "sometimes" usually comes before the verb phrase in English.

Last Updated: March 26, 2024

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.

Alternatives:

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

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.

Alternatives:

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

Answer 1

can sometimes be

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

Answer 2

can be sometimes

This phrase is correct but less common in English.

"can sometimes be" vs "can be sometimes"

can sometimes be

can be sometimes

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