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Could be vs Can be

Both 'could be' and 'can be' are correct verb phrases in English, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Could be' is often used to express possibility or uncertainty, while 'can be' is used to indicate ability or capability.

Last updated: April 01, 2024

Could be

The phrase 'could be' is correct and commonly used in English to express possibility or uncertainty.

Use 'could be' when you want to talk about something that is possible or uncertain. It is often used to speculate or make a guess about a situation.

Examples:

  • It could be raining outside.
  • She could be at the library.
  • The answer could be in the back of the book.
  • It could be a good idea to call him.
  • The problem could be with the software.
  • Could be oil, oil companies.
  • Could be a client's blood.
  • Could be Bautista and his Dominican gang.
  • Could be lung lesions, ccam.
  • Could be a virus or infection.
  • Could be something premature or inappropriate.
  • Could be pulmonary edema from renal failure.
  • Could be haff disease causing rhabdo.
  • Could be the joint he smoked.
  • Could be a cause for murder.
  • Could be CIA or American military intelligence.
  • Could be line noise or interference.
  • Could be the first step in an offensive.
  • Could be that thug's gun.
  • This cave... Could be anything.
  • Could be a diversion for some dirty trick.
  • Could be hyperkalemic from tumor lysis.
  • Could be the church everyone mentioned.
  • Could be a disturbed animal rights activist or eco-terrorist.
  • Could be the split from Mara.

Alternatives:

  • might be
  • may be
  • possibly is
  • potentially is
  • is likely

Can be

The phrase 'can be' is correct and commonly used in English to indicate ability or capability.

Use 'can be' when you want to talk about someone or something having the ability to do or be something. It is used to express a general truth or fact.

Examples:

  • This recipe can be made in under 30 minutes.
  • The problem can be solved with the right tools.
  • The movie can be watched on any device.
  • The information can be found online.
  • The solution can be implemented quickly.
  • Can be combined with overlapping mode and binning.
  • Can be administered orally in a tea.
  • Elemental powers Can be very difficult to control, But we have been making progress.
  • The most important relationships Can be so tenuous.
  • Can be folded directly from the tractor cab.
  • Can be overpainted with alkyd-synthetic enamels.
  • Can be manually selected for machine recovery purposes.
  • Can be mounted in various position to facilitate installation and application.
  • Authority under section D Can be contacted for questions concerning...
  • Can be stacked with other A1 modifiers.
  • Can be supplied with gas flush facility.
  • Can be dangerous if traffic approaching too fast.
  • Can be combined with a practical catcher bag.
  • Can be upgraded to fulfill different roles.
  • Can be subject to fraudulent action like counterfeiting.
  • Can be washed in water at specialised carpet cleaners.
  • Can be useful to detect chapter transitions or commercials.
  • Annex Can be rented with additional payment; please inquire.
  • Can be designed for your specific level measurement needs.
  • Can be preservative treated to enhance durability.

Alternatives:

  • is able to be
  • has the capability to be
  • has the ability to be
  • is possible to be
  • is capable of being

Related Comparisons

would be vs Would be Should be vs Should it not be could be vs could be achieved Should be vs ought to be There must be vs Should be could be vs should be

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