can be cleaned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be cleaned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential for something to be cleaned or the ability to clean an object or surface. Example: "This fabric is delicate, but it can be cleaned with a gentle detergent."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Many straw braids can be cleaned by wiping off with cleaning fluid.

WikiHow

The filter is permanent and can be cleaned.

The Guardian - Money

Epoxy can be cleaned up with lacquer thinner.

The New York Times

Upsetting as mud is, it can be cleaned up.

The New York Times

The European sovereign debt mess can be cleaned up.

The New York Times

Like aliphatic resins, it can be cleaned up with soap and water.

The New York Times

To which the E.P.A. and the fishermen respond: If the river can be cleaned, why surrender?

The New York Times

The Magic's next voyage has been canceled so it can be cleaned again.

The New York Times

But an animate object can be cleaned better by sound waves than by any other means.

The New Yorker

The flask, made in China, can be cleaned in the top rack of the dishwasher.

The New York Times

The injectors may need to be replaced, but mostly the system can be cleaned through.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "can be cleaned", ensure that the subject and context clearly indicate what is being cleaned and by what means, if relevant. For example, "The surface can be cleaned with soap and water."

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "It can be cleaned" without specifying the agent or method. Always clarify how something "can be cleaned" to provide practical information and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be cleaned" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something is capable of undergoing a cleaning process. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

24%

News & Media

43%

Science

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be cleaned" is a versatile expression signifying the possibility of something being made clean. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase finds frequent application across diverse fields such as news, science, and general informational contexts like wikis. It is particularly useful for informing or assuring an audience about the maintainability of a surface or object. While generally neutral in tone, "can be cleaned" can be substituted with alternatives like "is cleanable" or "is able to be cleaned" to adjust formality. When employing the phrase, always ensure clarity regarding the cleaning agent or method to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is able to be cleaned

Changes the verb to a more explicit form of ability while maintaining the passive voice.

is cleanable

Uses a single-word adjective to describe the object's property of being able to be cleaned.

may be cleaned

Substitutes "can" with "may", indicating possibility rather than capability.

is suitable for cleaning

Emphasizes the appropriateness of cleaning the object.

responds well to cleaning

Focuses on the positive reaction of the object when cleaned.

is designed to be cleaned

Highlights the intended design feature that allows for cleaning.

supports cleaning

Implies the object's structure or material allows for cleaning without damage.

can undergo cleaning

Uses a more formal tone to indicate the possibility of a cleaning process.

allows for cleaning

Highlights that the object's properties permit cleaning.

is amenable to cleaning

Suggests the object is receptive to being cleaned, implying it's easy to clean.

FAQs

How to use "can be cleaned" in a sentence?

Use "can be cleaned" to describe something that has the ability to be made clean. For example, "This stain "can be cleaned" with a special solution."

What's a synonym for "can be cleaned"?

Synonyms include "is cleanable" or "is able to be cleaned", depending on the level of formality required.

Is it correct to say "could be cleaned" instead of "can be cleaned"?

Yes, "could be cleaned" is also correct, but it implies a conditional or hypothetical situation, whereas "can be cleaned" expresses a present possibility.

Which is more formal, "can be cleaned" or "is capable of being cleaned"?

"Is capable of being cleaned" is more formal than "can be cleaned". The latter is suitable for most contexts, while the former is better for academic or technical writing.