can first be vs can be first

Both "can first be" and "can be first" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Can first be" is used when emphasizing the order of actions, while "can be first" is used when discussing the possibility of something being in the initial position.

Last updated: March 19, 2024 • 2004 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to emphasize the order of actions.

"can first be"

This phrase is used to highlight the sequence or order in which actions can occur. It is often used to stress the importance of a particular action happening before others.

Examples:

Understanding the basics can first be helpful before moving on to more advanced topics.
Learning to walk can first be challenging, but it gets easier with practice.

Show examples from the web [+]

In cases where it is impractical to test gene function using animal models, genes can first be expressed in bacteria or cell cultures. Similarly, the phenotypes of ...
Levels can first be detected by a blood test about 11 days after conception and about 12-14 days after conception by a urine test. Typically, the hCG levels will ...
Jan 12, 2015 ... Can “first” be used with indefinite article? up vote 2 down vote favorite. 1. I was taught that the word "first" always comes with a definite article ...
Studies have shown that cffDNA can first be observed as early as 7 weeks gestation, and the amount of cffDNA increases as the pregnancy progresses. cffDNA ...

Alternatives:

must first be
should first be
may first be
will first be
could first be

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to discuss the possibility of something being in the initial position.

"can be first"

This phrase is used to talk about the potential for something to be in the first position or to emphasize the option of being first.

Examples:

In a race, anyone can be first if they train hard.
The key to success can be first identifying your goals.

Show examples from the web [+]

Only man cured of HIV says Hawaii can be first state to eradicate virus. Posted: Dec 01, 2015 5:44 PM PST. Tuesday, December 1, 2015 8:44 PM EST. Updated: ...
Only man cured of HIV says Hawaii can be first state to eradicate virus. Most Popular. Stories. Videos. Slideshows. Franklin Graham prays outside Pentagon.
1 day ago ... Which carries can be first picked? (self.learndota2). submitted 34 minutes ago by Androo_. As title says. I presume it's a matter of versatility?
Dec 2, 2015 ... Only man cured of HIV says Hawaii can be first state to eradicate the virus. # WorldAIDSDay. I see dead people. SubscribeSubscribed ...

Alternatives:

can come first
can take the first position
can be in the first place
can lead the pack
can be the initial choice

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can first be vs can be first

"can first be"

"can be first"

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