can be buried

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be buried" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing something that is capable of being buried, whether literally or metaphorically. Example: "The time capsule can be buried in the park for future generations to discover."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They can be buried.

The Economist

Stinkers can be buried.

The Guardian - Music

You can be buried, burned, or frozen.

The New Yorker

He added, "Every putt can be buried".

The New York Times - Sports

Dewatered sludge can be buried underground in a sanitary landfill.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Larvae can be buried in trenches before they metamorphose.

The Economist

"Any pet at all can be buried," Mr. Delaney said.

The New York Times

Antitank mines can be buried 8 to 10 inches.

The New York Times - Tech

Much important information can be buried when a categorical Likert scale is treated as continuous variable.

Research Policy

How can their families recover their bodies so they can be buried?

Independent

He gave the land for everyone, so he can be buried there too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be buried" in a figurative sense, ensure the context clearly indicates the non-literal meaning. For example, "Mistakes "can be buried" under layers of bureaucracy" conveys a different meaning than "The treasure "can be buried" on the island".

Common error

Avoid using "can be buried" excessively in passive voice, as it can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Opt for active voice where appropriate to create a more engaging and impactful message. For example, instead of "The evidence "can be buried" by the defendant", try "The defendant can bury the evidence".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be buried" functions as a passive construction indicating the potential for something to be interred, concealed, or suppressed. Ludwig's examples show its usage in both literal contexts (physical objects being buried) and figurative contexts (information or problems being hidden).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be buried" is a versatile expression denoting the possibility of something being interred, hidden, or suppressed. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, ranging from literal descriptions of physical objects to metaphorical representations of concealed information or unresolved issues. The phrase is prevalent in news media and scientific publications, reflecting its neutral register and widespread applicability. When using "can be buried", it's important to consider the context to ensure clarity and avoid overuse of passive constructions. Alternative phrases like "can be hidden" or "may be interred" can offer subtle variations in meaning and tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be hidden

A simpler and more direct alternative, focusing on the ability to hide something.

can be concealed

Similar to "can be hidden" but with a slightly more formal tone.

may be interred

Replaces "can" with "may" and "buried" with "interred", suggesting a more formal or respectful tone, often used in the context of funerals.

is able to be interred

A more formal and less common synonym, primarily used in the context of burials.

could be entombed

Substitutes "can" with "could" and "buried" with "entombed", implying a sense of being enclosed or trapped, often in a historical or figurative context.

can be submerged

Implies being covered or overwhelmed, often by a liquid or abstract force.

is able to be concealed

Replaces "can be buried" with a more descriptive phrase, emphasizing the act of hiding or concealing something.

is susceptible to being hidden

Highlights the vulnerability of something to being hidden, adding a sense of potential or risk.

might be suppressed

Shifts the focus from physical burial to the idea of suppressing or concealing information or emotions.

can be obliterated

Suggests complete destruction or removal, going beyond mere burial or concealment.

FAQs

What does "can be buried" mean?

The phrase "can be buried" indicates the possibility or capability of something being placed underground or, metaphorically, being hidden or concealed.

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

You can use "can be buried" in sentences like: "The cables "can be buried" to protect them from the elements", or "The scandal "can be buried" if everyone cooperates".

What are some alternatives to "can be buried"?

You can use alternatives like "can be hidden", "can be concealed", or "may be interred" depending on the specific context.

Is it always literal when something "can be buried"?

No, "can be buried" often has a figurative meaning. For instance, a secret or a mistake "can be buried", meaning it is hidden or forgotten, not literally placed underground.