can be collected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be collected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to items or information that can be gathered, compiled, or retrieved. For example, "The data from the survey can be collected for further analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Second, proper case histories can be collected.

The Economist

Rubbish can be collected more efficiently.

The Economist

Urine and blood samples can be collected.

The New York Times - Sports

Symbols can be collected together into packages.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Also can be collected for reuse.

Journal of Materials Processing Technology

Guests can be collected from the local railway station.

The Guardian - Travel

However, milk can be collected only from recently delivered females.

Nature

Facts can be collected but they need to be interpreted.

The Guardian - Opinion

Additionally, index cards can be collected and reused.

Yale University

The sap can be collected in many different ways.

Cornell University

Such information can be collected and compiled in a survey.

Handbook of Statistics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be collected", ensure that the subject performing the collection and the object being collected are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive voice constructions like "can be collected" if an active voice provides more clarity and directness. For example, instead of "Data can be collected by researchers", consider "Researchers can collect data".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be collected" functions as a passive construction, indicating the possibility or ability of something to be gathered or accumulated. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

35%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be collected" is a versatile and grammatically sound passive construction widely used to indicate the possibility of gathering or accumulating something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in various contexts. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse settings, including news, scientific research, and academic discussions. While highly frequent, writers should be mindful of potential overuse and consider active voice alternatives for clarity. Remember to clearly define the subject and object in your writing to ensure effective communication. The most authoritative sources utilizing this phrase are The Guardian, The New York Times, Forbes, Huffington Post and Nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be gathered

Focuses more on the act of gathering, emphasizing the accumulation process.

can be obtained

Highlights the act of acquisition or procurement.

can be acquired

Emphasizes the gaining of possession, often implying a more formal process.

can be assembled

Suggests a collection of parts coming together to form a whole.

can be compiled

Implies a systematic gathering and arrangement of information.

can be accumulated

Focuses on the gradual increase in quantity over time.

can be harvested

Suggests a deliberate gathering of resources, often from a natural source.

can be retrieved

Highlights the ability to recover something that was previously stored or lost.

can be extracted

Emphasizes the process of pulling something out from a larger source.

can be harvested

Emphasizes the gathering of a yield or crop.

FAQs

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

The phrase "can be collected" indicates that something is able to be gathered or accumulated. For example, "The survey responses can be collected at the end of the week".

What's a more formal alternative to "can be collected"?

In more formal contexts, you might use phrases like "can be obtained" or "can be acquired" to convey a similar meaning.

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

While "can be collected" is grammatically correct, using the active voice (e.g., "you can collect") can often make your writing more direct and concise.

What is the difference between "can be collected" and "can be gathered"?

The phrases are very similar, but "can be gathered" often implies a more general process of bringing things together, while "can be collected" might suggest a more systematic or organized process.