can be cast

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be cast" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase in a sentence when you want to express that something has the potential to be put into a certain form or has the ability to be transformed in some way. For example, "The words of his speech can be cast in a new light with changes in perspective."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Votes can be cast at webbyawards.com.

The New York Times

All that can be cast aside.

The New York Times - Tech

How much light can be cast retrospectively?

The Guardian

The old rules about proper spacing can be cast aside.

The New York Times

Bronze can be cast on a staggering scale.

The Guardian - Arts

The resulting PITN dispersion can be cast into film.

Polymer

Many interesting forecasting problems can be cast as hidden Markov models with non-linear state transitions.

University of California, Berkeley

The problem of pricing an American option can be cast as a partial differential equation.

Journal of Computational and Applied Mathematics

The robust Q-ILC design can be cast as a min max problem.

Journal of Process Control

If 100 dice cannot be cast simultaneously, one single die can be cast 100 times.

Chemical Engineering Science

The controller synthesis problem can be cast as a convex semi-definite program (SDP).

Automatica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, consider whether active voice alternatives like "one can cast" would provide greater clarity or directness.

Common error

Avoid using "can be cast" when an active voice would be clearer and more direct. Overuse of the passive voice can make your writing sound vague or indirect. Consider if you can rephrase to specify who or what is performing the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be cast" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating possibility or potential. It suggests that something is able to be transformed or presented in a particular way. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and expresses the ability to transform. Examples show it used in scientific and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

33%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be cast" is a versatile verb phrase that indicates the potential for transformation, interpretation, or presentation in a specific way. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. It is most frequently found in scientific and news media sources, exhibiting a neutral formality level. When writing, it's best to ensure the context clarifies what is doing the casting and what is being cast, and to avoid overuse of the passive voice when a more direct, active voice would improve clarity. Consider alternatives like "may be molded" or "might be interpreted" for subtle shifts in emphasis. The phrase implies flexibility and multiple interpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be molded

Replaces "cast" with "molded", emphasizing the shaping aspect; suitable when physical forming is implied.

could be shaped

Emphasizes the ability to influence the form or outcome, similar to molding but less direct.

might be interpreted

Shifts from physical casting to interpretive possibility, useful when discussing ideas or concepts.

is able to be formed

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing the ability to be shaped or created.

can get interpreted

Similar to 'might be interpreted', focusing on potential interpretation but in a more conversational tone.

has the potential to be

Expresses capability or possibility, often used in more formal or technical contexts.

could become

Emphasizes the potential for transformation or development into something else.

is open to being

Indicates receptiveness or susceptibility to a particular treatment or interpretation.

is subject to being

Highlights the likelihood of undergoing a certain process or influence.

is liable to be

Indicates a tendency or probability for something to occur or be treated in a specific way.

FAQs

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

The phrase "can be cast" indicates the potential for something to be formed, interpreted, or presented in a particular manner. For instance, "The data "can be cast" in different ways to reveal various trends" or "The issue "can be cast" as a problem of resource allocation".

What are some alternatives to "can be cast"?

Alternatives include "may be molded", "might be interpreted", or "could be shaped", each offering subtle differences in emphasis depending on the context.

When is it better to use active voice instead of "can be cast"?

Using active voice is preferable when you want to clearly specify who or what is performing the action. For example, instead of "The problem "can be cast" as a lack of funding", you could say "Analysts "can be cast" the problem as a lack of funding".

What does "can be cast" imply about the subject?

The phrase "can be cast" implies that the subject has the potential or capacity to be transformed, viewed, or understood in a specific way. It suggests flexibility and the possibility of multiple interpretations or forms.