can be closed

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "can be closed" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the possibility of completion of an action or event. For example, you could say, "The store can be closed if there are no customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Some can be closed on slow nights).

The New York Times

It can be closed off for special functions.

Cornell University

Many wounds can be closed primarily (with direct suture repair).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The master bedroom suite can be closed off with a sliding door.

The New York Times

Two of the bedrooms can be closed off for use as a guest suite.

The New York Times

"If Walthamstow can be closed down that easily, God help the other stadiums," said one.

Independent

They can be closed to protect the animal within or allowed to open.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Today the ductus arteriosus can be closed with a nonsurgical prosthesis inserted by catheter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Charter schools that fail to meet their stated goals can be closed.

The New York Times

"If we don't succeed, we can be closed down," Mr. Atkins said.

The New York Times

The arena has curtains that can be closed when the Nets play day games.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be closed", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being closed, whether it's a physical object, an account, or a metaphorical gap. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "can be closed" without specifying the subject. For instance, instead of saying "It can be closed", specify what "it" refers to: "The file can be closed" or "The window can be closed."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be closed" functions as a modal passive construction. It expresses the possibility or ability for something to be acted upon, specifically to be shut or concluded. As Ludwig AI highlights, it indicates that a certain action can be performed on the subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be closed" is a versatile expression used to indicate the possibility or ability for something to be shut, concluded, or sealed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While generally neutral in tone, its formality can shift based on the subject matter. When using "can be closed", remember to clearly specify what is being closed to avoid vagueness. Consider related phrases like "can be sealed" or "can be concluded" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is able to be shut

Focuses on the capability of being shut, emphasizing the action rather than the state.

may be shut

Indicates a possibility or permission for being shut, suggesting a potential action.

can be sealed off

Emphasizes the act of completely isolating or securing something, adding a layer of protection.

is liable to be shut

Implies a probability or tendency of being shut, hinting at a likely outcome.

might be shut

Suggests a weaker possibility of being shut, conveying uncertainty.

can be concluded

Focuses on the termination or completion of a process, shifting the context from physical closure to ending a task.

can be terminated

Emphasizes the ending of something, often used in more formal or legal contexts.

can be finalized

Highlights the completion and confirmation of something, often used in business or project management.

is capable of being sealed

Highlights capability and sealing.

is able to be concluded

Highlights ability and conclusion.

FAQs

How do I use "can be closed" in a sentence?

Use "can be closed" to indicate the possibility of ending or shutting something. For example, "The investigation can be closed if no new evidence is found" or "The door can be closed to reduce noise".

What's a good alternative to "can be closed"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "can be sealed", "can be concluded", or "is able to be shut".

Is it grammatically correct to say "can be closed"?

Yes, "can be closed" is grammatically correct. It uses the modal verb "can" to express possibility, followed by the passive voice "be closed".

What does "can be closed" mean in a metaphorical sense?

Metaphorically, "can be closed" suggests the ending of a process, issue, or gap. For instance, "The pay gap "can be closed" with fair wages and equal opportunities."