can be amended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be amended" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something, such as a document or agreement, is subject to change or modification. Example: "The contract is not final and can be amended if both parties agree to the changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Laws, he noted, can be amended.

The New York Times

"The constitution can be amended at any time".

The New York Times

A health care proxy can be amended at any time.

The New York Times - Health

Unlike the charter, the by-laws can be amended by the shareholders without board consent.

The New York Times

The models under discussion are confined to legislation, which can be amended or repealed by parliamentarians.

The Guardian - Opinion

"If there is a law, a law can be amended," said Blatter.

The New York Times

An allocation of time motion can be amended, unlike the programme motion dropped on Tuesday.

The Guardian

Treaties can be amended with the agreement of the states that signed them.

The Guardian - Opinion

The administrative charges can be amended or dropped as the investigation proceeds.

The New York Times

"The Constitution is not a holy book — it can be amended," he said.

The New York Times

If the bylaws can be amended only by a shareholder vote, he said, a shareholder meeting must be called.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be amended" to clearly indicate that a document, agreement, or rule is not fixed and is subject to change through a defined process.

Common error

While "can be amended" is grammatically sound, avoid overuse of passive voice in your writing. Consider whether an active voice construction might be more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "The rules can be amended by the committee", try "The committee can amend the rules".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be amended" functions as a passive construction indicating the potential for modification or alteration. According to Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to express that something is not fixed and is subject to change through a defined process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be amended" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to indicate the potential for modifications or alterations. According to Ludwig, it commonly conveys flexibility and adaptability across various contexts, from legal documents to general agreements. The phrase is most frequently used in news, media, and scientific contexts, with a neutral to formal register. Ludwig confirms its widespread applicability, though writers should consider using active voice constructions for more directness when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be modified

Similar to "can be amended" but offers a slightly different tone.

is subject to modification

Uses a more formal and passive construction.

can be adjusted

Suggests finer, more incremental alterations.

is open to revision

Emphasizes the potential for a more thorough review and alteration.

is liable to amendment

Implies a legal or formal obligation to allow for modifications.

may be altered

Suggests a possibility of change, often in a less formal context.

can be adapted

Implies changes made to suit a specific purpose or condition.

allows for changes

Focuses on the permission or possibility of making alterations.

is capable of being changed

A more verbose and emphatic way of expressing the possibility of alteration.

is susceptible to changes

Highlights the vulnerability or likelihood of alterations occurring.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be amended" to indicate that something is not final and is subject to change. For example: "The contract is not final and "can be amended" if both parties agree to the changes".

What are some alternatives to "can be amended"?

Some alternatives to "can be amended" include "is subject to modification", "may be modified", or "is open to revision", depending on the context.

Which is more formal, "can be amended" or "may be altered"?

"May be altered" is often used in less formal settings, while "can be amended" is suitable for formal contexts. "Is subject to modification" is more formal than both.

What's the difference between "can be amended" and "can be adjusted"?

"Can be adjusted" typically implies finer, more incremental alterations, while "can be amended" suggests more substantial changes. For instance, "The settings can be adjusted" implies small tweaks, whereas "The constitution "can be amended"" suggests larger, more significant changes.