can be addressed

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be addressed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that a particular issue or problem can be taken care of or discussed in some way. For example, "The issue of climate change can be addressed by implementing sustainable practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Thankfully, it can be addressed.

The New York Times

But many other hazards can be addressed.

The New York Times

These concerns can be addressed fairly easily.

The New York Times

But these technicalities can be addressed.

The New York Times - Arts

Only the symptoms can be addressed.

The New York Times

Time-critical events can be addressed quickly.

Harvard Business Review

Inquiries can be addressed to [email protected]

Columbia University

These are not silly arguments, but they can be addressed.

The New York Times

Most of these small flaws can be addressed, however.

The Guardian

Other career concerns can be addressed in the groups.

The New York Times

But brokers agree that most other issues can be addressed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the subject of the sentence is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity about what "can be addressed". For instance, instead of saying "The issues can be addressed", specify "The environmental issues can be addressed".

Common error

Avoid relying solely on passive constructions like "can be addressed". While grammatically correct, overuse can lead to wordy and less engaging writing. Opt for active voice where appropriate to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be addressed" functions as a passive construction indicating the possibility of resolving or managing an issue. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage across diverse contexts, emphasizing its role in communicating that a particular concern is not insurmountable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be addressed" is a versatile phrase indicating the possibility of resolving or managing an issue. As affirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. While it effectively conveys optimism and feasibility, be mindful of overuse and consider active voice alternatives for directness. Remember to ensure the subject is clearly defined for clarity. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and effectively use "can be addressed" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be resolved

Replaces "addressed" with "resolved", suggesting a more definitive solution.

can be handled

Substitutes "addressed" with "handled", implying a more practical management of the issue.

can be managed

Replaces "addressed" with "managed", focusing on ongoing control and oversight.

can be rectified

Changes "addressed" to "rectified", indicating the correction of something that is wrong.

can be corrected

Uses "corrected" instead of "addressed", emphasizing the removal of errors or faults.

can be improved

Replaces "addressed" with "improved", shifting the focus to making something better.

can be fixed

Substitutes "addressed" with "fixed", suggesting a quick and simple solution.

can be taken care of

Expands the phrase to emphasize the act of providing care or attention to the issue.

can be dealt with

Uses "dealt with" instead of "addressed", offering a more general approach to handling the issue.

is amenable to solutions

Expresses the phrase in a more formal way, indicating a receptiveness to solutions.

FAQs

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

Use "can be addressed" to indicate that a problem or issue is capable of being resolved or dealt with. For example, "The safety concerns "can be addressed" by implementing new security protocols."

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "can be resolved", "can be handled", or "can be managed".

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

While "can be addressed" is grammatically correct in the passive voice, using the active voice can sometimes make your writing more direct and concise. For instance, instead of "The problem "can be addressed" by the team", you could say "The team can address the problem".

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

"Can be addressed" is suitable in various contexts, particularly when discussing problems, issues, or concerns that require attention or solutions. It is commonly used in formal writing, reports, and professional communication.