can be backed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be backed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing support, evidence, or justification for a claim or statement. Example: "The theory can be backed by numerous studies that demonstrate its validity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Vehicles can be backed up for weeks.

The New York Times

"Everything I've written can be backed up.

The New York Times

Music can be backed up to your computer.

The New York Times - Tech

That can be backed at 2-1 with Paddy Power.

The Guardian - Sport

Whether it can be backed by real military capabilities is another question.

The Economist

The bowler with the distinctive slingy action can be backed at 5-2 with Boyle's.

The Guardian - Sport

They can be backed at 10-11 with Ladbrokes with a 14-point start.

The Guardian - Sport

Photos can be backed up separately using a cloud photo service (more on that later).

The Guardian - Tech

"A reactionary conservative right-winger is filled with a sense of entitlement that can be backed up by force.

The New Yorker

Data from the semester can be backed up and stored from any computer with Web access at fourostudent.net.net

The New York Times - Tech

4. Woven Rattan is from a collection of natural-fiber fabrics that can be backed with paper.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be backed" to describe a claim, ensure that the supporting evidence is clearly identified and credible.

Common error

Avoid using "can be backed" when the evidence is weak or circumstantial; instead, use phrases that indicate possibility or suggestion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be backed" functions as a passive construction indicating the potential for something to be supported, validated, or proven. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to express that a claim, statement, or idea has the capacity to be substantiated with evidence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academic

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be backed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression indicating the potential for support or validation. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase appears across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. Its versatility makes it suitable for expressing the possibility of finding evidence or justification for a statement. When employing this phrase, it's vital to ensure that the claim indeed has the capacity for credible backing, preventing overstatements about the strength of available evidence. It's also important to remember that while "can be backed" is about potential, it is distinct from the assertion that something is already backed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be supported

Emphasizes providing assistance or approval, rather than direct evidence.

can be substantiated

Focuses on providing evidence to prove the truth or validity of something.

can be verified

Highlights the ability to confirm the accuracy or truth of something through investigation.

can be validated

Implies an official confirmation or endorsement of something.

can be corroborated

Focuses on strengthening or confirming a claim by providing additional evidence.

can be justified

Emphasizes the process of showing something to be right or reasonable.

can be demonstrated

Focuses on showing the existence or truth of something through clear evidence or examples.

can be proven

Implies establishing the truth of something definitively.

can be reinforced

Highlights the act of strengthening an idea or claim with additional support.

can be defended

Focuses on protecting or justifying something against criticism or attack.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be backed" to indicate that a statement, claim, or idea is supported by evidence or proof. For example: "The theory "can be backed by" numerous studies."

What's a good alternative to "can be backed"?

Alternatives to "can be backed" include "can be supported", "can be substantiated", or "can be verified", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "can be back up" instead of "can be backed"?

No, "can be back up" is grammatically incorrect in this context. The correct phrasing is "can be backed", which uses the past participle of the verb 'back' to indicate support or reinforcement.

Which is more appropriate, "can be backed" or "is backed"?

The choice between "can be backed" and "is backed" depends on the intended meaning. "Can be backed" suggests the potential for support, while "is backed" indicates that support is already present. For example, "The claim "can be backed" with further research" suggests future possibility, while "The claim "is backed" by existing data" indicates current support.