can be commandeered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be commandeered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is capable of being taken control of or seized, often without permission. Example: "In times of emergency, public transport vehicles can be commandeered by authorities to assist in evacuations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The president of the L.I.R.R. says the signs are helpful because they can be commandeered in emergencies and turned to good use.

The New York Times

The British are desperately in need of the rubber supply and assign Crain the mission of discovering the location of the ship's scuttling charges so the cargo can be commandeered by an Allied warship.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After mentioning that houses or businesses can be commandeered to shelter victims or serve as medical dispensaries, it continues that "violations of individual property rights, if actionable, would generally be sorted out after the need for such actions has ended".

The New York Times

The finding, reported in the 15 June Current Biology, highlights how the genetic hard-wiring for one trait can be commandeered to create another over evolutionary time.

Science Magazine

Additional vehicles can be commandeered: a motorbike, hovercraft and F-117.

Wikipedia

They have staffing problems; patients need care; attending physicians are home on weekends; medical residents are low in a hierarchical system in which they can be commandeered to work longer hours.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

A strong merchant fleet meant lots of boats that could be commandeered during times of war.

The Economist

These screens have uncovered hundreds of human genes not previously known to be commandeered by the virus during infection.

Cell

And in class Wednesday night, his lecture could be commandeered by California tourism officials.

Los Angeles Times

But, alternatively, the deranged control mechanism itself could be commandeered or its set point adjusted.

eLife

Truffle around here, and you can read how, in 1939, the unit was commandeered by the Ministry of Information as an instrument of war, producing work "of value not only for exhibition in this country but also for propaganda abroad".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be commandeered", ensure the context clearly indicates who has the authority or ability to take control. For instance, specify "the military can be commandeered" rather than simply stating "resources can be commandeered".

Common error

Avoid using "can be commandeered" in situations where a simpler term like "used" or "utilized" would suffice. Overusing the term can make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic or militaristic. Reserve its usage for situations where forceful taking or seizing is implied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be commandeered" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the possibility or permissibility of something being seized or taken over for a specific purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

22%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be commandeered" is grammatically correct and indicates the possibility of something being seized for a specific purpose, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with a neutral to slightly formal tone. When using the phrase, ensure it is clear who has the authority to take control and avoid overuse in non-emergency situations. Consider alternatives like "can be requisitioned" or "can be seized" depending on the specific meaning you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be requisitioned

Replaces "commandeered" with "requisitioned", focusing on official acquisition.

might be seized

Emphasizes the act of taking something forcefully, using "seized" instead of "commandeered".

could be appropriated

Implies taking something for one's own use, often without permission.

is liable to be taken over

Expresses the likelihood of something being taken control of.

can be drafted

Suggests being selected or compelled for a particular service or use.

can be mobilized

Focuses on preparing and organizing resources for action or use.

may be pre-empted

Highlights the act of taking action to prevent someone else from doing it.

could be co-opted

Signifies adopting something for a different purpose than originally intended.

is subject to seizure

Indicates that something is at risk of being confiscated.

can be taken into custody

Focuses on the aspect of being taken under control or possession, usually by an authority.

FAQs

How do you use "can be commandeered" in a sentence?

The phrase "can be commandeered" is used to describe something that is liable to be taken over for a specific purpose, often during emergencies. For example, "In a natural disaster, private vehicles "can be commandeered" for evacuation efforts".

What are some alternatives to "can be commandeered"?

Alternatives include "can be requisitioned", "can be seized", or "can be appropriated". The best choice depends on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "can be commandeered" and "can be requisitioned"?

"Can be commandeered" often implies a more forceful or immediate taking, especially in emergencies. "Can be requisitioned" suggests a more formal or authorized process of acquiring resources for a specific purpose.

Is "can be commandeered" formal or informal language?

The phrase "can be commandeered" has a neutral to slightly formal tone. While it's understandable in most contexts, it's particularly suitable for news reports, official statements, or discussions involving emergency situations. A less formal alternative would be "can be taken over".