Example sentences of "can [adv] be a [noun] " in BNC.
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| 1 | But for some drivers the ability to cover inhospitable terrain can literally be a matter of life and death — if not for themselves , then for their livestock or their patients . |
| 2 | Any published note on the subject at the moment can only be a snapshot of a rapidly moving situation ; the applications can be classified but the individuality and absence of repetition of R&D projects would make detailed descriptions of specific applications of very narrow interest . |
| 3 | It can only be a reliance on public ignorance that can allow the Foreign Secretary , Douglas Hurd , and other Tories , to spread lies about the social chapter of the Maastricht treaty . |
| 4 | It had become increasingly clear over the last few days that the anger of East Germans is focused on the Communist Party and that it can only be a question of time before the party has to relinquish its leading role and allow political competition . |
| 5 | ‘ My life can only be a question of a few weeks . |
| 6 | My hope and at this stage it can only be a hope , is that if consultations are held with presbyteries , a consensus will emerge as to the nature of the changes to Act seventeen that are required and that that consensus will enable the Act to be successfully amended . |
| 7 | But it can only be a quirk ; and the force of its ‘ goodness ’ is strictly limited and circumscribed . |
| 8 | We are only beginning to work out these implications and our chapters of research can only be a base for others to examine in greater detail how our theories work . |
| 9 | These are things which we already have , and to write about them can only be a celebration of past triumphs , an exercise in quasi-historical complacency : " how the battle for democracy was won " . |
| 10 | The timbers are badly shaped and put together ; such a structure can only be a vehicle for plants and the sooner they cover it the better . |
| 11 | For primary schools , the National Curriculum can only be a success if authorities use the opportunity of the new funding formulas to increase their staffing . |
| 12 | At the same time , since there is an increase in the production of fixed assets , which by definition can only be a part of surplus-value , this means that the volume of surplus-value and its rate begins to increase . |
| 13 | But landing safely in torrential rain , with a squally and unpredictable wind , can only be a matter of luck for the most skilled pilot . |
| 14 | ‘ But without the resumption of a regular supply of red iron , it can only be a matter of time before these tragic people die . ’ |
| 15 | It sounds a desperate measure ; but if it 's happening in California , it can only be a matter of months before it takes off here . |
| 16 | Unkind souls are suggesting that once the money for the LHC has been sewn up it can only be a matter of time before CERN gets out the begging bowl for the VEC — Very Expensive Collider . |
| 17 | The receiver is so powerful that it can only be a matter of a minute or two at the outside before the signal is received . |
| 18 | If this car does n't shake the German establishment , then it can only be a matter of time . |
| 19 | Although no levy was eventually included , with legislation in place across most of Europe , it can only be a matter of time before something happens here . |
| 20 | It can only be a matter of time before World Cup , sheep-racing and World Cup bog-snorkelling are much loved fixtures in the sporting calendar . |
| 21 | But if the England manager deplored the lack of flair in the squad he took to Sweden then it can only be a matter of time before he turns to the Bart Man . |
| 22 | It can only be a matter of time before England hopeful David James , watching from the bench , takes his place . |
| 23 | We draw up the perfect guest list , and then go about extending the invitations — we have n't yet resorted to blackmail but it can only be a matter of time . |
| 24 | Which motive was dominant can only be a matter of opinion , but it is in any case unrealistic to grade them too rigorously . |
| 25 | If we do not use these medications properly then it can only be a matter of time before they are withdrawn from availability and we lose a precious treatment for our fish . |
| 26 | Given that in practice managers , like everyone else , suffer from ‘ bounded rationality ’ , that is , inadequate information and computational skills , it is apparent that the conduct required for profit maximisation can only be a matter for judgment : there is no practically discoverable , uniquely correct , profit-maximising course of action . |
| 27 | But these are cropping up everywhere , and it can only be a matter of time before they become as common as the cold . |
| 28 | With new products being innovated endlessly , it can only be a matter of time … . |
| 29 | Judging by her performance so far this can only be a matter of time . |
| 30 | Which motive was dominant can only be a matter of opinion , but it is in any case unrealistic to grade them too rigorously . |