can be acknowledged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be acknowledged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing recognition or acceptance of a fact, opinion, or situation. Example: "The contributions of all team members can be acknowledged during the meeting to foster a sense of appreciation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"But above all," Adam says, "we will create a community over the Christmas period - a safe place where the less fortunate in our society can be acknowledged they exist and be treated like human beings with compassion and understanding".

Independent

But I think it can be acknowledged that he is potentially operating on an unlevel playing field.

The New York Times

If it can be acknowledged as a deeper pattern of Indian life, perhaps something can be done.

The New York Times

The surveyors' undeniable role in hastening removal of Indians from their lands can be acknowledged but played down.

The New York Times - Books

Nature recently started a trial in which reviewers can be acknowledged by name in the publications they have helped shape.

Nature

This Side of Silence asks what forms of suffering and cruelty can be acknowledged when looking at the world through the narrow legal category of torture.

University of Pennsylvania

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Ned Rorem, as different from Cage as a contemporary composer can be, acknowledges that what Cage had was "a high dose of wit," and to miss the wit is to miss the point.

The New York Times - Books

These feelings can then be acknowledged and talked about.

The Guardian

And that, for Scalia, is something that can never be acknowledged, because it would lay bare the game he plays.

The New Yorker

Because pursuit of the goal is the only ideological foundation for the totalitarian state, achievement of the goal can never be acknowledged.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yes, but even the real Americans who would be hurt by Obamacare repeal don't exist, because it can never be acknowledged that the law benefited people.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be acknowledged" when you want to express that something has the potential to be recognized or accepted, but it's not necessarily a certainty. This phrasing allows for nuance in situations where acceptance is conditional or dependent on certain factors.

Common error

Avoid overusing "can be acknowledged" in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound passive or hesitant. Consider stronger, more direct verbs like "is recognized" or "has been confirmed" to convey greater certainty and authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be acknowledged" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the possibility of something being recognized or admitted. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

31%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be acknowledged" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that expresses the possibility of recognizing or admitting something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in science, news and media, and academia. While the phrase is generally acceptable, it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse in highly formal writing, where stronger verbs might be more appropriate. Related phrases like "can be recognized" or "may be recognized" offer subtle variations in meaning, allowing for more precise expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be recognized

Replaces "acknowledged" with "recognized", focusing on the perception and awareness of something.

may be recognized

Replaces "can" with "may", suggesting a possibility rather than a certainty of recognition.

can be confirmed

Substitutes "acknowledged" with "confirmed", suggesting verification of accuracy.

could be admitted

Substitutes "acknowledged" with "admitted", implying acceptance of something previously denied or unstated.

can be affirmed

Substitutes "acknowledged" with "affirmed", indicating a stronger confirmation or validation.

can be validated

Replaces "acknowledged" with "validated", emphasizing the verification or proof of something.

might be conceded

Replaces "acknowledged" with "conceded", suggesting an unwilling acceptance of something as true.

can be ratified

Substitutes "acknowledged" with "ratified", suggesting formal approval or confirmation.

can be understood

Replaces "acknowledged" with "understood", shifting the focus to comprehension and awareness.

can be identified

Replaces "acknowledged" with "identified", focusing on pinpointing or determining something.

FAQs

How can I use "can be acknowledged" in a sentence?

The phrase "can be acknowledged" is used to express that something has the potential to be recognized or admitted. For example: "The limitations of the study "can be acknowledged" in the discussion section."

What are some alternatives to "can be acknowledged"?

Alternatives include phrases like "can be recognized", "can be confirmed", or "can be validated", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "can be acknowledged" or "should be acknowledged"?

"Can be acknowledged" suggests a possibility, while "should be acknowledged" implies a moral or logical imperative. The best choice depends on whether you're indicating potential recognition or suggesting a required recognition.

What's the difference between "can be acknowledged" and "is acknowledged"?

"Can be acknowledged" indicates a potential for recognition, whereas "is acknowledged" signifies that the recognition has already occurred. "The problem "can be acknowledged"" means it's possible to recognize it; "The problem is acknowledged" means it has already been recognized.