can be activate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be activate" is not correct in English.
It should be "can be activated." You can use it when discussing the potential for something to be turned on or made operational. Example: "The new software feature can be activated by clicking the settings button."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Moreover, among the single-repeat R3 MYB genes that can be activate by the GL1-GL3/EGL3 or WER-GL3/EGL3 complex, only the transcript of ETC1 is dramatically reduced in the gl3 egl3 double mutant.

BMC Plant Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

mTOR pathway can be activated by adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinases (AMPKs) that in turn can be activated by LKB1.

BioMed Research International

Giambi can be activated from the disabled list on Sunday.

The New York Times - Sports

Rivera can be activated from the disabled list next Tuesday.

The New York Times - Sports

Lofton can be activated from the disabled list on Sunday.

The New York Times - Sports

Until the injured Billy Wagner returns — he can be activated Monday — Kunz remains a candidate to close.

The New York Times - Sports

Unlike in other recent cases, the malicious code can be activated simply by downloading the message.

The New York Times

A substitute can be activated while they are off the field.

The Guardian

But utility managers note that generators are a known quantity that can be activated instantly.

The New York Times

White, who has a strained right rotator cuff, can be activated Wednesday.

The New York Times - Sports

"A canister of rapidly curing polymeric foam can be activated and inserted into a duct".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct passive form, "can be activated", when indicating that something has the ability to be made active or operational. For instance, say "The alarm system can be activated remotely" instead of "The alarm system can be activate remotely."

Common error

Avoid using the base form of the verb after "can be". Instead, use the past participle (e.g., activated, enabled) to ensure the sentence is grammatically correct and conveys the intended passive meaning. Incorrect: "The feature can be activate." Correct: "The feature can be activated."

Linguistic Context

The phrase is intended to express the potential for something to become active. However, the grammatical error undermines its effectiveness. Ludwig AI points out the correct form is "can be activated".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be activate" is grammatically incorrect. The correct passive form is "can be activated", as highlighted by Ludwig AI. This phrase aims to express the potential for something to become active or operational. While its intended register is generally neutral, spanning across science and news contexts, its incorrect usage undermines its effectiveness. Remember to use the past participle form of the verb to ensure grammatical accuracy and clarity. When in doubt, consider alternatives like "can be enabled" or "can be triggered" to maintain the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be activated

This is the grammatically correct passive form of the verb, indicating that something is able to be made active.

may be activated

Replaces "can" with "may", suggesting possibility rather than ability.

is able to be activated

Adds emphasis to the capability of being activated.

could be activated

Uses "could" to indicate a conditional possibility of activation.

can be turned on

Replaces "activated" with a simpler, more direct term.

can be enabled

Substitutes "activated" with "enabled", often used in technical contexts.

is capable of being activated

Emphasizes the inherent capability of being activated.

has the potential to be activated

Focuses on the potential for activation.

can be triggered

Replaces "activated" with "triggered", implying a specific event initiates the action.

can be initiated

Substitutes "activated" with "initiated", stressing the start of a process.

FAQs

How should I correctly use the phrase "can be activated" in a sentence?

Use "can be activated" when you want to express that something has the ability or potential to be made active or operational. For example, "The security system "can be activated" with a key code" is correct, while "The security system can be activate with a key code" is incorrect.

What's the difference between "can be activated" and "can be active"?

"Can be activated" implies that something is currently inactive but has the potential to become active through some action. "Can be active" implies that something has the ability to maintain an active state. For example, "The feature "can be activated" remotely" means the feature is currently off but can be turned on. "The sensor "can be active" 24/7" means the sensor is able to be continuously running.

What are some alternatives to "can be activated"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "can be enabled", "can be triggered", or "can be initiated". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever correct to say "can be activate"?

No, "can be activate" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is always ""can be activated"", using the past participle of the verb "activate".