can be activated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be activated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential to enable or turn on a feature, system, or process. Example: "The emergency alert system can be activated by pressing the red button."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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

(Right now, these lights can be activated with an app).

The New York Times - Tech

"The system can be activated without our approval," he wrote.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

"So whatever unforeseen misbehaviour arises, the moral turpitude clause can be activated," he says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

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

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be activated", ensure the context clearly indicates what or who is performing the activation. This adds clarity and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "can be activated" in contexts where the actor is unknown or unclear. Overuse of passive voice can make writing vague and less impactful. If possible, specify who or what is doing the activating.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be activated" functions as a passive construction, indicating the potential for something to be made active or functional by an unspecified agent. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and utilized. Examples show its use across scientific, technical, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be activated" is a versatile passive construction used to describe the potential for something to become active or functional. As Ludwig AI attests, it is grammatically sound and widely used in various contexts, particularly in science and news media. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it leans toward formal usage. When writing, aim for clarity by specifying the actor performing the activation when possible. Alternatives like "can be enabled" or "can be triggered" can add nuance depending on the intended meaning. Due to the high frequency of the phrase across authoritative sources, it's a reliable choice for conveying the potential for activation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be enabled

Focuses on the possibility of turning something on or making it functional.

can be turned on

Another way to express the ability to activate or enable something.

can be switched on

Focuses on the action of turning something on or activating it.

can be initiated

Highlights the capability to start or begin a process.

can be started

A basic way to express the possibility of beginning something.

can be triggered

Suggests the possibility of setting off an event or reaction.

can become operational

Emphasizes the ability to start functioning or being used.

can be commenced

Similar to initiated, but with a slightly more formal tone.

can be set in motion

Implies the ability to start a series of actions or events.

can be implemented

Highlights the ability to put a plan or system into effect.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be activated" to describe the potential for a feature, system, or process to be enabled or turned on. For example, "The alarm system "can be activated" by entering the correct code".

What are some alternatives to "can be activated"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "can be enabled", "can be triggered", or "can be initiated".

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "can be activated"?

While "can be activated" is in the passive voice, active voice is often preferred for clarity and directness. Consider rewriting to specify the actor: "Users can activate the feature" instead of "The feature "can be activated" by users".

In what contexts is "can be activated" most appropriate?

"Can be activated" is suitable in technical, medical, and general contexts where describing the potential for something to become active or functional is necessary. Examples include describing features of devices, biological processes, or security systems.