can be added

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be added" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about changes that could possibly be made in the future. For example: "Additional features can be added to the software at any time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nothing — not even water — can be added.

The New York Times - Travel

Two vectors can be added or subtracted.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Dairy and bakery products can be added.

The New York Times

Fillers can be added to spices.

The New York Times - Science

A garage can be added.

The New York Times

Supplemental coverage can be added.

The New York Times - Tech

Flavoring and colorings can be added.

The New York Times - Food

Onions can be added if desired.

The New York Times

Images can be added with a similar icon-based routine.

The New York Times - Tech

After cooking, further harmful cuts can be added.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What other diseases can be added to this list?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be added" to indicate that something is possible or permissible to include. Ensure that the context clearly identifies what is being added and to what it is being added.

Common error

Avoid using "can be added" when an active voice construction would be clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "Additional features can be added by the user", consider "The user can add additional features".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be added" functions as an auxiliary verb combined with the passive voice. It indicates that something is capable of being included or appended. Ludwig examples confirm its use across various contexts, demonstrating the potential for inclusion, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be added" is a versatile and common phrase used to indicate the possibility or permission for inclusion. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse fields like news, science, and business. While maintaining a neutral register, its utility is best realized when the context clearly identifies both the element being added and its destination. By understanding its function and potential alternatives, writers can effectively communicate the option for supplementation in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be included

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

could be incorporated

Emphasizes the process of integrating something into a larger whole.

might be appended

Suggests adding something at the end, as a supplement.

is open to inclusion

Highlights the receptiveness or availability for adding something.

is susceptible to addition

Implies a natural tendency or readiness to be added to.

is eligible for supplementation

Focuses on meeting certain criteria to qualify for being added.

allows for the addition of

Emphasizes the permission or possibility of adding something, typically specifying what is allowed.

permits further additions

Highlights the allowance of more additions, often in a formal or official context.

accommodates extra components

Suggests that something is designed to include additional parts or elements.

is amenable to integration

Implies a willingness or suitability for being combined or integrated with something else.

FAQs

How do I use "can be added" in a sentence?

"Can be added" indicates a possibility or permission to include something. For instance, "More details "can be added" later" suggests a possibility to include additional details.

What are some alternatives to saying "can be added"?

You can use phrases such as "may be included", "could be incorporated", or "might be appended" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "can be added"?

While generally correct, "can be added" might sometimes be less direct than active voice constructions. Evaluate whether an active voice construction would improve clarity and conciseness.

What's the difference between "can be added" and "must be added"?

"Can be added" implies a possibility or permission, whereas "must be added" indicates a requirement or necessity. The choice depends on whether the addition is optional or mandatory.