can be awarded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be awarded" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is eligible to receive an award or recognition under certain conditions. Example: "The scholarship can be awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such certification can be awarded through a variety of organizations.

Advances in Computers

Presidential pardons are irrevocable and can be awarded without explanation.

The New York Times

Here, they can be awarded with educational active citizenship awards".

The Guardian - Film

Boren Fellows can be awarded up to $30,000.

Columbia University

"The George Medal can be awarded to civilians for acts of great bravery.

Independent

They can be awarded more than once to the same recipient.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Contracts must be subject to a competition before they can be awarded to any new parties.

The Guardian

In cases of ties, delegates can be awarded by flipping a coin or drawing straws.

The New York Times

It strongly supports Republican efforts to limit damages that can be awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits.

The New York Times

Settlements can be awarded to players who were diagnosed before 7 July 2014.

The Guardian - Sport

Merit fellowships can be awarded at the time of admission or at any point thereafter.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be awarded", ensure the context clearly specifies the criteria or conditions under which the award is given. This adds clarity and transparency to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "can be awarded" without specifying the basis for the award. Saying "awards can be awarded" without detailing the requirements makes the statement meaningless. Instead, state "Scholarships "can be awarded" to students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be awarded" functions as a passive construction indicating the potential for something to be given or granted. As supported by Ludwig, it expresses the possibility of receiving an award based on certain criteria or conditions. This passive voice emphasizes the receiver of the award rather than the giver.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be awarded" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates the possibility of receiving an award or recognition under specified conditions. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is correct and suitable for use in written English. It is commonly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, highlighting its versatility. While alternatives like "may be granted" or "is eligible for" exist, "can be awarded" effectively conveys the potential for recognition based on established criteria. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the conditions or criteria for the award. Common errors involve using the phrase without detailing these requirements, which can lead to vagueness. The phrase has different meanings than the alternatives /s/will+be+awarded, /s/must+be+awarded depending on if the criteria is to denote possibility or obligation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is eligible for

Focuses on the eligibility aspect, emphasizing the conditions that must be met.

may be granted

Indicates possibility but is slightly more formal and less direct.

could be given

Expresses a conditional possibility, often dependent on specific circumstances.

is entitled to

Suggests a right or claim to receive something, often legally or contractually.

might be conferred

More formal and often used in the context of honors or titles.

can be presented

Focuses on the act of presenting an award, rather than the eligibility.

may be bestowed

Highly formal, often used for honors or gifts of significant value.

could be allocated

Suggests a formal distribution process, especially for funds or resources.

might be assigned

Implies a specific designation or allocation based on certain criteria.

can be merited

Highlights that something should be based on deservedness.

FAQs

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

Use "can be awarded" to indicate that a prize, honor, or grant is potentially attainable under certain conditions. For example, "The scholarship "can be awarded" to students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance".

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

You can use alternatives like "may be granted", "could be given", or "is eligible for" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be awarded" or "will be awarded"?

"Can be awarded" indicates possibility or eligibility, while "will be awarded" indicates certainty. Use "can be awarded" when the outcome is conditional and "will be awarded" when the decision is final.

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

"Can be awarded" implies discretion; the award is possible but not guaranteed. "Must be awarded" implies obligation; the award is mandatory if certain criteria are met.