can be braced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be braced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is being supported or reinforced, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The structure can be braced to withstand strong winds and earthquakes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The cardinal is free to revel in the assurance of his absolutes, while Tom Hanks and I can be braced by the challenge of being our own cosmologists, creating our own meanings.

The New York Times - Science

When the ankle ligaments are injured, they can be braced to permit healing, or repaired.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

That can be bracing in the hands, say, of a surrealist like David Lynch.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It can be "bracing, like foul weather", says Mr Derbyshire, who grew up in England.One can take this argument too far.

The Economist

With its intense emotions and controlled austerity, Mr. Kurtag's music can be bracing, his texts almost self-parodistic in their oppressiveness.

The New York Times - Arts

The French horn can be a perilous instrument, but when it is played with skill and artistry, its sound can be bracing and enveloping.

The New York Times

A swim in the saltwater lap pool can be bracing and challenging – if there's big swell that crashes over the sides.

The Guardian - Travel

Scotland can be bracing at times, and plants often get flattened by winds; plants that don't need staking are always good.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Down on the pristine town beach, a swim can be bracing, but wetsuits are on hand for surfer wannabes, and coastal trails often reward hikers with a whale sighting.

The Guardian - Travel

The industry is often a source of friction in trade negotiations opening up markets can be bracing for backward economies.

Forbes

Yet the racks can only be braced at one of their two longitudinal planes to allow pallet loading from the aisle, which results in an asymmetric horizontal bearing configuration.

Thin-Walled Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be braced", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being supported or reinforced. It's effective for both physical structures and abstract concepts needing strengthening.

Common error

Avoid using "can be braced" too frequently in abstract or metaphorical contexts where simpler terms like "supported" or "strengthened" would be more appropriate and less cumbersome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be braced" functions as a passive construction indicating the potential for support or reinforcement. As Ludwig AI explains, it suggests that something has the ability to be strengthened or stabilized. The provided examples showcase its usage in both physical and abstract contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be braced" is a grammatically sound construction used to indicate the potential for providing support or reinforcement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While relatively infrequent, with only two exact matches found in the provided data, it appears in both News & Media and Scientific contexts. Alternatives such as "can be supported" or "can be reinforced" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. When writing, it's best to use the phrase when you're certain to express that something is capable of receiving support, for instance in discussions about engineering, medicine, or even abstract arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be bolstered

Suggests to support or strengthen; prop up.

may be reinforced

Replaces "braced" with a synonym suggesting strengthening, altering the specific imagery while retaining the core meaning of providing support.

could be strengthened

Uses a different modal verb and synonym for "braced", focusing on the potential for reinforcement.

can be supported

Employs a more general term for providing assistance, lessening the intensity of the original phrase.

might be buttressed

Utilizes a formal synonym for "braced", implying a structural support.

can be fortified

Focuses on defense and strengthening, offering a slightly different nuance than simple support.

can be underpinned

Emphasizes providing a foundation or basis, shifting the focus from immediate support.

can be propped up

Implies temporary or makeshift support, differing from the potentially more permanent nature of "braced".

can be secured

Highlights the act of fastening or making something safe, rather than direct reinforcement.

can be steadied

Suggests stabilization rather than outright support, reducing the emphasis on strength.

FAQs

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

Use "can be braced" when you want to express that something is capable of being supported or reinforced, either literally or figuratively. For instance, "The ankle "can be braced" to permit healing" or "Arguments "can be braced" with evidence".

What does "can be braced" mean?

"Can be braced" means something is capable of being supported, strengthened, or reinforced, typically to withstand pressure or provide stability.

What are some alternatives to "can be braced"?

Alternatives include "can be supported", "can be reinforced", or "can be strengthened", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is "can be braced" formal or informal?

"Can be braced" is generally neutral in tone and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, the specific context dictates the appropriateness of the phrase.