can be bent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be bent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is flexible or adaptable, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "The rules can be bent in certain situations to accommodate unique circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a demonstration that the law can be bent.

The New York Times

If necessary, they can be bent pre-operatively.

Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research

Statistics, as always, can be bent into any shape.

The Guardian - Sport

"But you know, things can be bent a little bit".

The New York Times

With controlled ion bombardment, individual carbon nanotubes can be bent into loops with different radii.

Carbon

Even in Guatemala, the arc of history can be bent toward justice.

The New York Times

The other problem is that test results can be bent every which way.

The New York Times

A rim, then, can be bent, having surrendered to the dangling of a triumphant dunker.

The New York Times

Inside the mesh are four-by-twenty-foot-insulation panels, which can be bent.

The New Yorker

It can be bent into all sorts of shapes, but it has its limits.

Interactive QuickTime Authoring wired media

You cut through skin to expose joints, which can be bent till they pop.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "can be bent" metaphorically to express adaptability or willingness to compromise, such as "Rules can be bent in certain situations."

Common error

While "can be bent" is acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "can be adjusted" or "can be adapted" in professional or academic writing for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be bent" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating possibility or capability. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's often used to describe something's physical property of being flexible or, metaphorically, the adaptability of rules or principles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be bent" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe physical flexibility or metaphorical adaptability. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is very common, particularly in News & Media and Science contexts. While generally neutral in tone, consider more formal alternatives in professional writing. When using the phrase, remember that it expresses potential, whether in a literal or figurative sense. Be mindful of the register and choose alternative phrases like "can be adjusted" when a more sophisticated tone is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be flexed

Replaces "bent" with "flexed", implying a smoother or more controlled change in shape.

can be shaped

Focuses on the ability to mold or form something into a desired shape, not just bending it.

can be molded

Similar to "shaped", but suggests a more malleable or impressionable quality.

can be adapted

Highlights the capacity to adjust or modify to fit different circumstances or purposes, extending beyond physical bending.

can be adjusted

Similar to adapted, emphasizing a finer, more precise alteration.

can be modified

Highlights changes made to improve or alter characteristics, but it is semantically broader.

can be altered

Similar to modified, focusing on making something different or distinct.

can be influenced

Shifts the focus to being affected or changed by external factors, not necessarily physical bending.

can be manipulated

Implies a deliberate and skillful handling or control, which may or may not involve physical bending.

can be reformed

Denotes the process of restructuring or reshaping completely. It implies a change or transition from one state to another.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be bent" to describe a physical property, like "This metal rod "can be bent" easily", or in a more abstract sense, like "The rules "can be bent" to accommodate special circumstances".

What are some alternatives to "can be bent"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "can be adjusted", "can be shaped", or "can be adapted".

Is it correct to say "can be bent"?

Yes, "can be bent" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

When is it appropriate to use "can be bent" metaphorically?

Using "can be bent" metaphorically is suitable when discussing the flexibility of rules, plans, or principles. For example, "The project timeline "can be bent" to meet the client's needs".