but can be defeated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but can be defeated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing something that is generally strong or resilient but has the potential to be overcome or beaten. Example: "The enemy's defenses are formidable, but can be defeated with the right strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Terrorism ravaging Africa but can be defeated, France's Hollande says.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But it can be defeated and we can reverse the decline in species.

Independent

The few who benefit from these rigged rules will fight long and hard to preserve them, but they can be defeated.

Huffington Post

Acts of terrorism cannot always be averted but terrorists themselves can be defeated.

The New Yorker

Rubens sees psychological darkness but insists it can be defeated by civilisation.

The Guardian - Arts

Further, I might be a priori justified in believing the conclusion of some mathematical proof I have constructed, but that justification can be defeated by the testimony of excellent mathematicians who tell me that the proof is unsound.

SEP

The ruling can be appealed, but that appeal can be defeated with a simple majority vote.

Huffington Post

On this understanding, a principle specifies what Prichard calls a 'claim' on us, for example that we serve our country – but all such claims can be defeated by more pressing claims to do something else, such as care for our aging mother.

SEP

But the Virtual Caliphate can be defeated.

HuffPost

It can be defeated, but it is not easy.

The New York Times

"It's not possible that 100 per cent of corruption can be defeated, but we think 85 per cent can be," he says, as we clamber out of the car.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but can be defeated" to introduce a note of optimism or possibility when discussing seemingly insurmountable problems or powerful entities. This phrasing acknowledges the challenge's magnitude while suggesting that solutions or strategies for overcoming it exist.

Common error

Avoid using "but can be defeated" when the context implies an effortless victory. This phrase works best when the opposition or challenge is formidable, emphasizing that despite the difficulty, success is still attainable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but can be defeated" functions as a conjunctional phrase introducing a contrasting idea. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatical correctness. It presents a counterpoint, suggesting that despite an initial challenge or strength, the possibility of overcoming it exists.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but can be defeated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, employed to introduce a contrasting idea, often one of hope or possibility. While its register remains relatively neutral, it finds prevalence across diverse contexts such as news, scientific discussions, and formal communications. When considering alternatives, phrases such as "but is not invincible" or "but can be overcome" serve as close substitutes. However, writers should remember to utilize the expression when a challenge is apparent, instead of trivializing its implications, and acknowledge the effort needed for it to be defeated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but is not invincible

Emphasizes the lack of invulnerability despite apparent strength.

but can be overcome

Focuses on the possibility of surmounting a challenge or obstacle.

but is not unbeatable

Focuses on the absence of guaranteed victory.

but is surmountable

Highlights that the challenge can be dealt with successfully.

but is not insurmountable

Stresses that the challenge is not impossible to overcome.

but is conquerable

Indicates that victory over the challenge is achievable.

but can be thwarted

Highlights the possibility of preventing something from succeeding.

but is vulnerable

Highlights the existence of weaknesses that can be exploited.

but can be bested

Implies a competition or struggle where victory is possible.

but yields to pressure

Suggests that sustained effort or force can lead to defeat.

FAQs

How can I use "but can be defeated" in a sentence?

You can use "but can be defeated" to show that even though something seems strong or difficult, it is possible to overcome it. For example, "The enemy's defenses are strong, but can be defeated with the right strategy."

What are some alternatives to "but can be defeated"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "but is not invincible", "but can be overcome", or "but is surmountable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "but can be defeated" too informal for academic writing?

No, "but can be defeated" is suitable for various writing contexts, including academic writing, as long as the tone and context are appropriate. It strikes a balance between acknowledging a challenge and suggesting potential solutions.

What's the difference between "but can be defeated" and "but is difficult to defeat"?

"But can be defeated" focuses on the possibility of overcoming something, while "but is difficult to defeat" emphasizes the level of effort required. The former suggests attainability, while the latter highlights the challenge involved.