be used to remove

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be used to remove" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a function or purpose of an object or action that facilitates the removal of something. Example: "This tool can be used to remove stubborn stains from fabric."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nail polish remover can be used to remove nail polish that ends up on your skin.

WikiHow

Hair removal creams can be used to remove particularly resistant patches of fake tan.

WikiHow

Make up remover can then be used to remove the last traces of colour.

WikiHow

-- should be used to remove the spines.

The New York Times - Food

Others can be used to remove contaminants in mechanical systems.

Britannica

Fining can be used to remove hazes that resist settling.

Cornell University

That procedure can be used to remove redundant features.

Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence

Two different methods may be used to remove the thorium.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Whether it might be used to remove gravy stains or unclog a drain remains untested.

The New Yorker

In other words, it can be used to remove global illumination effects from 3D scenes.

Stanford University

In some cases, selective precipitation can be used to remove interferences from a mixture.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be used to remove", ensure the subject clearly indicates what is doing the removing and the object specifies what is being removed for clarity and precision.

Common error

Ensure the context makes it clear what the agent performing the removal is. Passive voice can sometimes obscure this, so rephrasing to active voice might improve clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be used to remove" functions as a passive voice construction indicating the intended purpose or function of something. It highlights the action of removal that an object or process is designed to perform. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

15%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be used to remove" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction for indicating the purpose of something in terms of elimination. As Ludwig confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, from scientific publications to general explanations. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, writers should ensure clarity by specifying the agent performing the removal to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "can serve to eliminate" or "is designed to eliminate" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can serve to eliminate

Emphasizes the function or purpose of eliminating something, similar to "be used to remove".

is designed to eliminate

Focuses on the intended design or purpose of eliminating something.

can facilitate the removal of

Emphasizes the ease and facilitation of the removal process.

can help in eliminating

Highlights the assistance provided in the process of removal.

is suitable for eliminating

Highlights the appropriateness or suitability of a method for removal.

is effective for clearing

Highlights the effectiveness of a method for cleaning or clearing.

can assist in extracting

Focuses on the extraction aspect of removal, applicable when referring to separating something.

functions to extract

Focuses on the operational function of extraction.

is capable of extracting

Emphasizes the capability or ability to extract something.

can aid in clearing

Highlights the supportive role in the process of cleaning or clearing.

FAQs

How can I rephrase the sentence "This tool can be used to remove the screws"?

You could rephrase it as "This tool "can help in eliminating" the screws" or "This tool "is designed to eliminate" the screws" for a more direct tone.

What are some alternatives to "be used to remove" in formal writing?

In formal writing, consider using phrases like "can facilitate the removal of" or "is suitable for eliminating" to maintain a professional tone.

Is there a difference between "be used to remove" and "be utilized to remove"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning, "be utilised to remove" might sound slightly more formal or technical than "be used to remove".

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "be used to remove"?

The phrase "be used to remove" is versatile and appropriate in various contexts, from scientific and technical writing to general explanations. It's particularly useful when describing the function or purpose of a tool, method, or substance.