can be captured

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be captured" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is able to be recorded, seized, or understood in a particular context. Example: "The essence of the moment can be captured in a photograph that tells a story."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only pawns can be captured en passant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But regulatory reform, too, can be captured.

The Economist

None of this can be captured fully in translation.

The New York Times

Live, interactive information can be captured, compiled and analysed.

The Guardian

Our subject is the archive, and how dance as an artform can be captured and communicated.

The Guardian

But the counter-argument to an independent Somaliland can be captured in one word: "Somaliweyn'.

The Guardian - Opinion

That really isn't something that can be captured by a video camera.

The Guardian - Opinion

Maybe Buffett's past investing style can be captured in a trading algorithm today.

The Guardian - Business

To the extent that music can be captured in speech, she had gone beyond it.

The Guardian - Music

The entire spectrum of human experience can be captured within his detached or awed gaze.

The Guardian - Books

All this play with voicing can be captured very well in a radio adaptation," Pevear says.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be captured", ensure the subject performing the capturing and the object being captured are clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what tool or method allows something to be captured.

Common error

Avoid overusing "can be captured" in passive voice constructions. Opt for active voice where possible to make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "Data can be captured by sensors", consider "Sensors can capture data".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be captured" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating the possibility or ability for something to be subjected to the action of capturing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and applicable across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be captured" is a grammatically sound and versatile passive verb phrase, commonly used to express the potential for something to be recorded, seized, or understood. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its frequency is highest in scientific and news contexts, reflecting its applicability across a range of topics. While generally neutral in register, its formality can be adjusted based on the surrounding terminology. When using "can be captured", clarity is key to avoid ambiguity, and careful consideration should be given to the active voice as a more direct alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be recorded

Focuses specifically on the act of recording information or data, rather than capturing in a broader sense.

can be obtained

Emphasizes the act of acquiring or gaining possession of something, shifting the focus from 'capturing' to 'receiving'.

can be seized

Highlights the act of taking something forcefully or decisively, adding a sense of immediacy or control.

can be understood

Shifts the focus to comprehension or interpretation, indicating that something is capable of being grasped intellectually.

can be registered

Implies a formal recording or documentation process, emphasizing official recognition or inclusion.

can be documented

Stresses the importance of providing evidence or records for something, shifting the focus to verification.

can be ascertained

Suggests that something can be definitely determined or found out, highlighting the process of discovery.

can be perceived

Focuses on the ability to notice or become aware of something through the senses, rather than actively capturing it.

can be expressed

Highlights the act of conveying or communicating something, changing the emphasis from capturing to articulation.

can be contained

Emphasizes the ability to hold something within limits or boundaries, differing from the broader sense of capturing.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be captured" to indicate the ability to record, seize, or understand something. For instance, "The essence of the moment "can be captured" in a photograph", or "The suspect "can be captured" if he returns to the scene".

What are some alternatives to "can be captured"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "can be recorded", "can be obtained", or "can be understood".

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "can be captured"?

While "can be captured" is grammatically correct, using the active voice can often make your writing more direct. For example, instead of "Information "can be captured" by sensors", you might say "Sensors capture information".

What does "can be captured" mean in the context of data?

In the context of data, "can be captured" typically means that data can be recorded, collected, or extracted. For example, "User behavior "can be captured" through website analytics".