Present tense:
* peut être: This is the most common and general form of "can be." It is used in both affirmative and negative statements.
* Example: "Il peut être un bon cuisinier" (He can be a good cook).
* Example: "Ce n'est pas possible qu'elle soit à Paris" (It's not possible that she is in Paris).
* pourrait être: This is a more formal or less certain form of "can be." It expresses possibility or uncertainty.
* Example: "Il pourrait être le responsable" (He could be the one responsible).
* Example: "Elle pourrait être malade" (She might be sick).
Other tenses:
* a pu être: "Could have been"
* aura pu être: "Will have been able to be"
* devrait être: "Should be"
* doit être: "Must be"
Important Notes:
* The choice of "peut être" or "pourrait être" depends on the level of certainty you want to express.
* "Peut être" can also mean "maybe" or "perhaps" in certain contexts.
Let me know if you have a specific sentence in mind, and I can help you choose the right French translation!