can be challenged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'can be challenged' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that something should be questioned or disputed. For example, "The conventional wisdom that bigger companies always outperform smaller ones can be challenged."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sometimes a ruling can be challenged.

The New York Times - Sports

But once more, that can be challenged.

The Guardian - Opinion

"If businesses make a claim they can be challenged.

The Guardian

Any competitors you encounter can be challenged to impromptu races.

The Guardian - Tech

Suspect efforts to participate can be challenged by other caucusgoers.

The New York Times

This argument can be challenged on two counts.

The New Yorker

The general knowledge can be challenged by this particular knowledge.

The Guardian

Voters in Missouri can be challenged at any time.

The Economist

Arguments can be challenged on evidence or logic, but a caricature will have none of it.

The New York Times - Arts

Even when candidates follows all the rules, their petitions can be challenged by a competitor.

The New York Times

The decision was final within the department and can be challenged only through the courts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be challenged" to introduce a viewpoint or assertion that is not universally accepted and is open to discussion or proof. For example, instead of saying "This is true", consider "This assumption can be challenged" to encourage critical thinking.

Common error

Avoid using "can be challenged" excessively in passive constructions, which can make your writing sound weak or evasive. Consider rephrasing to use active voice when appropriate; for instance, instead of "The data can be challenged", try "Researchers can challenge the data" to show who is doing the challenging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be challenged" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility or permissibility, specifically the potential for something to be questioned, disputed, or opposed. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be challenged" is a grammatically correct and frequently used modal verb phrase that serves to introduce uncertainty or invite critical evaluation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is suitable for use in written English. It is most commonly found in news, science, and formal business contexts, indicating a register that ranges from neutral to formal. When writing, use this phrase to present statements that are open to discussion, scrutiny, or alternative viewpoints. Be mindful of overusing passive constructions to maintain clarity and impact. Related phrases such as "is open to question" or "is subject to dispute" can offer nuanced alternatives. The prevalence of this phrase across authoritative sources highlights its importance in reasoned discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is subject to dispute

This alternative emphasizes disagreement or contention, highlighting the adversarial nature of the challenge.

is liable to be contested

This phrase suggests a probability of being disputed or challenged, adding a sense of potential conflict.

can be refuted

This suggests the possibility of proving something wrong or false, emphasizing disproof.

is open for debate

This focuses on something being subject to discussion and argument, highlighting different viewpoints.

is open to question

This alternative focuses on whether something is uncertain or not yet determined, differing slightly from a direct challenge.

can be invalidated

This emphasizes the act of making something void or without legal force, a strong form of challenge.

is susceptible to scrutiny

This alternative highlights the vulnerability of something to examination and criticism.

can be opposed

This focuses on the act of resisting or acting against something, showing direct contrast.

is questionable

This focuses on the doubtfulness or uncertainty of something, less direct than a challenge.

can be undermined

This suggests weakening or damaging something, indirectly challenging its validity or strength.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be challenged" to indicate that a statement, idea, or claim is not necessarily true or correct and is open to scrutiny or opposition. For instance, "The validity of the research findings "can be challenged" due to methodological limitations".

What are some alternatives to "can be challenged"?

Alternatives to "can be challenged" include "is open to question", "is subject to dispute", or "is liable to be contested", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "can be challenged" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "can be challenged" when you want to suggest that a statement or assumption is not definitive and might be questioned, debated, or disproven. This often occurs in academic, legal, or argumentative writing.

What's the difference between "can be challenged" and "should be challenged"?

"Can be challenged" implies a possibility or an option for something to be questioned, while "should be challenged" suggests a recommendation or obligation for something to be questioned. The former is descriptive, while the latter is prescriptive.