can be asked

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be asked" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used to talk about the possibility of something being asked or inquiring about. Example: "During the press conference, the CEO stated that all questions can be asked, but only those related to the company's financial performance will be answered."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What more can be asked than that?

Independent

Anyone bringing in more can be asked to explain.

The Economist

The same question can be asked about tobacco.

The New York Times

Similar questions can be asked for other surfaces.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The same can be asked of the Kardashians.

Independent

Before a question can be asked, she's off.

The Guardian - Music

Now top players can be asked to give 85 performances.

The New York Times - Sports

Who is supporting whom?The same question can be asked of pension funds.

The Economist

It's something that all Americans, young and old, can be asked to participate in immediately.

The New York Times

Dating?' But obviously there's a lot more that can be asked".

The New York Times

If a major event breaks during the day, leaders can be asked for their reaction.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality required. While "can be asked" is generally acceptable, more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "may be inquired about".

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice, as it can make your writing sound less direct and less engaging. In some cases, rephrasing to use the active voice can improve clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be asked" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates the possibility or permissibility of something being questioned or inquired about. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used. The examples demonstrate it is versatile across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be asked" serves as a versatile and grammatically sound way to express the permissibility or possibility of asking a question, as supported by Ludwig AI. Its frequent occurrence across various domains, particularly in science and news media, underscores its widespread applicability. While generally neutral in tone, its usage can adapt to varying degrees of formality. Remember to consider context and clarity when employing this phrase to ensure effective communication. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can leverage "can be asked" to enhance their writing and effectively convey the opportunity or relevance of inquiry.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be inquired about

This alternative includes a preposition, emphasizing the topic of the inquiry.

may be inquired

This alternative is more formal and suggests a specific question is permissible.

could be questioned

This alternative focuses on the potential for scrutiny or examination.

is it permissible to ask

This version frames it as a question about permission to ask something.

might be requested

This alternative emphasizes the possibility of something being formally requested.

is it acceptable to inquire

This version replaces "ask" with a more formal synonym and emphasizes acceptability.

may be solicited

A more formal term that indicates something is being actively sought.

is it possible to question

This emphasizes the feasibility of asking, rather than the permission.

can one put forth

This option utilizes a more sophisticated vocabulary and focuses on presenting a question.

are we allowed to ask

This phrase is slightly more direct and informal, inquiring about explicit permission.

FAQs

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

Use "can be asked" to indicate that it is permissible or possible to ask a question. For example, "All questions "can be asked" during the Q&A session".

What can I say instead of "can be asked"?

You can use alternatives like "may be inquired", "could be questioned", or "might be requested" depending on the context and level of formality.

Which is correct, "can be asked" or "can ask"?

"Can ask" implies the ability to ask, while "can be asked" implies permissibility or possibility that someone can ask. Choose the one that fits the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "can be asked" and "should be asked"?

"Can be asked" indicates possibility, while "should be asked" indicates advisability or necessity. For example, "These questions "can be asked"" simply means they are permissible, but "These questions should be asked" means they are important to ask.